Parrikar-Carter stress on strengthening bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, who is on an official visit to India, met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday.

New Delhi, Dec 8: U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, who is on an official visit to India, met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday, during which both leaders discussed the immense promise for the future of India-U.S. security cooperation.

Carter also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed bilateral issues with him.

Both sides exchanged views on regional security issues including the threat posed by terrorism. They agreed to continue further strengthening the bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and underlined the need to ensure that terror groups receive no patronage from any State, said a statement released by the government.

Citing common values and shared desire for peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean region, the two leaders reflected on the convergence of interests that have driven the strategic and technological "handshakes" between our nations, and led to historic progress in our bilateral relationship.

India-U.S. defense relations in recent years have moved along a remarkable upward trajectory.
Marked progress on agreements, including the signing of a Defense Framework Agreement in 2015, have laid a blueprint for collaboration between India and U.S. defense establishments and enabled deeper cooperation.

Joint exchange opportunities - in both personnel and training exercises - have expanded and strengthened the bilateral cooperation.

The recent signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) has facilitated additional opportunities for practical engagement and exchange.

India's designation as a "Major Defense Partner" of the United States was finalised during the bilateral meeting today. The designation as a "Major Defense Partner" is a status unique to India and institutionalizes the progress made to facilitate defense trade and technology sharing with India to a level at par with that of the United States' closest allies and partners, and ensures enduring cooperation into the future.

OneIndia News