Cambodia: In Siem Reap, Cambodia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a private meeting. To attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus meeting, Mr. Singh and Mr. Austin are in Cambodia. Both Ministers emphasised their commitment to a strong India-US defence partnership as they spoke on a variety of topics of shared interest. Mr. Singh emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two nations in order to create capability in military aviation, artificial intelligence, cyber technology, and other crucial fields.
He was looking forward to creating a framework for increased US-India defence industry cooperation. Mr. Singh emphasised India’s expanding prowess in shipbuilding, repairs, and refits as well as aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul. He offered particular areas where US defence businesses should search for potential for production and technology collaboration with Indian partners in India. Secretary Austin acknowledged the proposals and promised to work with him on this.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free-flowing, rules-based Indo-Pacific region with unrestricted trade and freedom of overflight and navigation. They also talked about other actions that may be taken to improve marine cooperation between the two nations, like maritime domain awareness. Both presidents also discussed their views on the security situation in the region.