Recently Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has engaged in extensive discussions with several high-ranking US officials, such as Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks, to assess the advancement of enhancing the bilateral strategic relations and deliberated on their joint endeavours to foster stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. 

During his visit to the US this week, Kwatra has been holding a series of meetings with key figures within the US government and engaging with leaders in various industries to propel bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense and technology sectors. 

According to Pentagon spokesperson Eric Pahon, Hicks and Kwatra explored key areas for bolstering the US-India defense partnership, including the execution of the roadmap for US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation. The official statement highlighted that the two officials emphasised the significant momentum in the Major Defense Partnership, affirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

They commended the joint efforts of both nations in advancing the co-production of fighter jet engines and armoured vehicles. Additionally, they praised the ongoing success of the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) for its role in fostering innovation and partnerships among researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors from both the US and India. 

Pahon noted that Kwatra and Hicks also emphasized the significance of broadening the scope of US-India military engagements to enhance cooperation across all domains while underscoring joint efforts to uphold stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. 

Furthermore, they delved into various regional security matters and affirmed their commitment to close collaboration in pursuit of a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, particularly amidst China's assertive actions in the region. 

The Indian Embassy's statement highlighted that the visit aligns with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations, providing an opportunity to further propel their growing and forward-looking partnership. 

During his visit spanning from April 10 to 12, Kwatra conducted a comprehensive assessment of the progress in strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Kwatra convened meetings with Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, and Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, among other senior officials. 

The embassy stated that Kwatra engaged in discussions with key officials at various important institutions including the National Security Council, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Energy. 

These discussions covered a wide range of topics encompassing the entirety of India-US relations- expanding defense and commercial ties, ensuring resilience in supply chains, and addressing contemporary regional developments. 

The top Indian diplomat also convened meetings with representatives from prominent think tanks and chambers of commerce. During the meeting, they discussed enhancing investment channels, promoting innovation and technology, and bolstering commercial ties between the two countries. 

Image Source: Times of India