Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III met with India’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat, during his first visit to the Pentagon, Sept. 30, 2021. The two leaders exchanged views on priorities for advancing the U.S.-India defense partnership, including through enhanced cooperation in new defense domains such as space, cyber, and emerging technologies. Secretary Austin underscored the U.S. commitment to supporting the Indian Armed Forces’ transition toward greater institutional integration and operational jointness.
They also discussed opportunities for expanding multilateral cooperation with regional partners. This historic meeting highlights the enduring strength of the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership as the two countries work in concert with like-minded partners to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
