NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh and US secretary of defence Lloyd James Austin III on Saturday held delegation-level talks at Vigyan Bhawan.
The talks between the two focussed on "wide-ranging defence cooperation, expanding military to military engagement, info sharing & cooperation in emerging areas of defence & mutual logistics support," said Rajnath Singh.
Austin called India "an increasingly important partner in the rapidly shifting international dynamics" and reaffirmed his country's commitment to a "comprehensive forward-looking defence partnership with India" for its approach to the Indo-Pacific region.
"Our relationship is a stronghold of free & open Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation & freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law. This reaffirms our shared vision for regional security," US defence Secy Austin said after his meeting with Rajnath Singh.
The two countries also reviewed bilateral & multilateral exercises and agreed on increased cooperation between Indian military, US Indo-Pacific command, Centre Command & Africa Command, the defence minister said.
"We've signed LEMOA, COMCASA & BECA agreements & we've agreed to realise their full potential," said Singh.
Secretary Austin is on a three-day official visit to India. Earlier in the day, Austin visited the National War Memorial with Rajnath Singh and paid his respects.
US defence secretary Lloyd James Austin III met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval on Friday.
CDS General Bipin Rawat and the three services chiefs were also present at the meeting.
(With inputs from agencies)