Rajnath Singh, the Union Defence Minister, will be travelling to the United States (US) for an official visit between 23rd and 26th of August, according to a statement from the defence ministry on Wednesday (August 21st, 2024).
During this visit meant to strengthen the global strategic partnership between them, he will have a bilateral meeting with his US counterpart Secretary Lloyd Austin and also meet US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
On Tuesday (August 20th, 2024), officials said that discussions between Mr. Singh and Austin are anticipated to cover India’s proposed acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones as well as joint manufacturing of Stryker infantry combat vehicles along with co-production of GE F414 engines in India.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence which announced Mr. Rajnath Singh’s journey to America: “The visit is expected to further deepen and broaden the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
“The visit comes in the backdrop of growing momentum in India-US relations and defense engagements at multiple levels,” it stated.
Mr. Singh will chair another high-level roundtable discussion featuring major players from US defense industry about ongoing defense collaborations and future collaboration. He will also interact with Indian community members while on this trip.
