Addressing a press conference in New Delhi after talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, the US Defense Secretary said that there is an increasing need of further cooperation between India, the US and other democracies.
"We face a rapidly changing world. We see bullying and coercion from China, Russian aggression against Ukraine that seeks to redraw borders by force and threatens national sovereignty, as well as transnational challenges, such as terrorism and climate change," Austin said. He also called upon democracies to unite to protect common interests and common values.
"So democracies must now rally together around not just our common interest, but also our shared values. Preserving and protecting the freedoms that are essential to peace and prosperity will require vigorous leadership from the US," the US official said. He also underscored that India and US can secure best future for the Indo-Pacific. "I am confident that the US-India Partnership will help to secure an open and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific and the wider world," he added.
Austin arrived New Delhi yesterday on a two-day visit and earlier today held talks with his Indian counterpart. They agreed to deepen defense cooperation and discussed regional security especially that of Indo-Pacific. He also met Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and discussed issues of mutual concern.
Source: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
