US Defence Secretary meets Modi, seeks to deepen strategic ties

According to Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby, they discussed the Prime Minister's forward-looking agenda for his summit with President Obama in the fall, as well as new ways for the United States and India to deepen  strategic ties while addressing a range of global issues.

Topics covered in the discussion included Iraq, Afghanistan, the threat of terrorism in the Middle East, as well as security issues in the areas comprised by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, said the US

The two leaders discussed the importance of continuing robust defense cooperation, particularly in terms of co-development and co-production, and military education and training exchanges. They also talked about the importance of the defense sector in creating economic opportunities between our two countries. 

Meanwhile, the Indian government said the Prime Minister welcomed the sustained high-level engagement by the United States with the new Government here.

The Prime Minister expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Iraq and its potential implications for the region, where India has vital stakes. Secretary Hagel briefed the Prime Minister on the announcements by President Obama on the steps that the United States plans to take to deal with the situation.

Narendra Modi also noted that an early completion of the election process in Afghanistan, which enjoys the confidence of the people of Afghanistan, and smooth transition of power is essential for sustaining progress towards peace, stability, democracy and development in Afghanistan.

They also discussed their shared interest in peace and stability in wider Asia Pacific region.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of defence relations in the overall strategic partnership between the two countries and indicated his desire to see further progress in defence relations, including in defence manufacturing in India, technology transfer in the area of defence, exercises and higher studies in the field of defence.

Narendra Modi reiterated that he looked forward to his visit to the United States not just as an occasion to think in terms of what we can do for each other, but also as an opportunity to see how the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy can build a partnership for peace, stability and prosperity in the world.

Earlier Hagel met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj  as part his three-day trip to India.

Hagel said the U.S. wants to be a partner in India’s military modernization, and recognises India’s need to strengthen their defence-industrial base.

“Big problems, geopolitical problems cannot, will not ever be solved without partnerships," he tweeted after meeting Swaraj in New Delhi on his arrival here. 

"The path to expansion is through a combination of new opportunities and a joint commitment by both #India and the U.S," he posted.

He said security, stability, freedom of sea lanes, economic development and energy are mutual interest of India, the region and U.S.

Hagel is focused on building a relationship with the new Indian government.

Hagel's trip came close on the heels of US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit last week ahead of a big time meeting between Modi and President Barack Obama in Washington in Sept.

"I come about a month before the new Indian Prime Minister will be in the United States and meeting with President Obama. So this is a - I think an opportune time to spend a couple of days here listening, learning, and getting acquainted," he said.