India, US Discuss Expanding Defense Industrial and Technology Cooperation
New Delhi — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Monday with a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives led by Rep. Brian Mast to discuss ways to deepen the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with a focus on defense industrial and technological cooperation.
The Ministry of Defence said the talks centered on the evolving strategic partnership between the two countries and opportunities to expand cooperation in defense manufacturing and technology.
“Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met with a bipartisan delegation from the United States House of Representatives, led by Representative Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Their discussion centred around the evolving India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with special emphasis on defence industrial and technological cooperation,” the ministry said in a post on X.
The meeting came days after Indian and U.S. troops trained together during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, a bilateral military exercise aimed at improving interoperability and familiarity with each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who observed the exercise at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, said the training reflected the strength of the defense relationship between the two countries.
“Impressive to see US and Indian forces training together at Mahajan Field Firing Range. This exercise reflects the strength of our defence partnership: trust, readiness, interoperability, and shared purpose. Proud of what US Army and Indian Army are achieving together,” Gor wrote on X.
According to the Indian Army, troops from both countries conducted coordinated drills, synchronized battle procedures and combined-arms training across mountainous and desert terrain.
“Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 witnessed enhanced interoperability between the Indian Army and US Army, achieved through integrated training across mountainous and desert terrain,” the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information said on X.
The exercise included small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon systems and attack helicopter operations. The Army said the training strengthened mutual understanding, operational coordination, confidence and the ability of both forces to operate together across different battlefield environments.
“From Shared Training to Shared Capability – Building a Stronger Partnership,” the Army added. (Source: IANS)
