India, US explore collaboration in defense innovation, niche technologies

India and the United States, on Monday, explored avenues for collaboration in cutting-edge defense innovation and niche technologies during meeting between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, in New Delhi.

A statement from the Indian Ministry of Defense said that during the meeting the two reaffirmed the growing strength of the India-US bilateral defense partnership, drawing from the joint statement issued after the recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

“Both leaders emphasized that strategic security remains a vital pillar of the comprehensive global strategic cooperation between the two nations,” the statement said.

Both officials reviewed the significant strides made in the areas of military exercises, strategic cooperation, integration of defense industrial supply chains and information-sharing cooperation, especially in the maritime domain.

“The two leaders explored avenues for collaboration in cutting-edge defense innovation and niche technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests,” the Ministry said.

Enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of defense industrial supply chains to bolster resilience and innovation were also discussed.

The US Director of National Intelligence arrived yesterday in New Delhi to participate in India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, Raisina Dialogue, which kicks off today with an expected 3,500 participants from 125 countries.

Source: KUNA