US defence secy Mattis calls Parrikar, vows to build upon defence cooperation

“In their first conversation, secretary Mattis committed to build upon the tremendous progress in bilateral defence cooperation made in recent years, underscoring the strategic importance of the US-India relationship and India’s role in advancing global peace and security.”

Defence secretary James Mattis called his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar and affirmed their commitment to “sustain the momentum on key bilateral defence efforts” built between India and US, Pentagon press secretary Jeff Davis said.

US Secretary of Defence James Mattis called Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday. (AFP Photo)

This was the first conversation between the two leaders after Mattis was sworn in as the defence secretary of the US President Donald Trump last month.

“In their first conversation, secretary Mattis committed to build upon the tremendous progress in bilateral defence cooperation made in recent years, underscoring the strategic importance of the US-India relationship and India’s role in advancing global peace and security,” Davis said, after the phone call between the two leaders which took place on Wednesday.

“Secretary Mattis and minister Parrikar affirmed their commitment to sustain the momentum on key bilateral defense efforts to include the defense technology and trade initiative,” he said .

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