Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a telephonic name with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth the place the 2 leaders mentioned defence partnership. The decision got here days after US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistani Military chief Discipline Marshal Asim Munir. The decision holds significance as there was concern in New Delhi over America’s help to Pakistan regardless of Islamabad’s open position in nurturing and sponsoring terror outfits.
“Glad to talk with the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth as we speak. Glorious dialogue to overview the continuing and new initiatives to additional deepen India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capability constructing,” mentioned Singh on X.
India additionally appreciated the US for supporting India’s combat towards terror. “Conveyed my deep appreciation for the unwavering help prolonged by the US to India in its combat towards terrorism. Trying ahead to fulfill him at an early date,” mentioned Singh.
“The 2 leaders mentioned a large canvas of points starting from long-term cooperation within the defence sector, together with coaching and navy exchanges, to increasing the trade collaboration. They agreed to additional construct upon the momentum of this essential & mutually useful partnership throughout all its pillars reminiscent of interoperability, integration of defence industrial provide chains, logistics sharing, elevated joint navy workouts and cooperation with different like-minded companions,” mentioned Ministry of Defence in an announcement.
In the course of the name, the defence minister said that Pakistan’s lengthy observe document of cross-border terrorism is well-known globally, including that it has grow to be a protected haven for terrorists from all over the world as internationally banned terrorists get pleasure from immunity there.
Talking on Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh mentioned India reserves the best to reply & defend towards terrorism and pre-empt in addition to deter any additional cross-border assaults. India’s actions had been measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and centered on disabling terrorist infrastructure, he added.
“Raksha Mantri complimented the US Secretary of Protection for his dynamic management which has propelled defence cooperation between US and India to new ranges. Mr Pete Hegseth invited Shri Rajnath Singh to US for an in-person assembly to take the bilateral defence partnership ahead,” mentioned the assertion.
This was their third telephonic dialog since January this 12 months when Mr Pete Hegseth was confirmed as US Secretary of Protection.
Notably, India was not happy with the US transfer to host Munir weeks after the navy battle between India and Pakistan. The tensions between the 2 arch-enemies soared after the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault. India launched Operation Sindoor on Could 6-7 to avenge the fear assault, and Pakistan’s retaliation led to a four-day navy battle between the 2 nations.