India, US officials discuss ways to strengthen strategic partnership

During his three days official visit to Washington DC, Shringla interacted with strategic experts from the prominent US think tanks on regional and global issues and different facets of the India-US strategic partnership. He also met with Jon Finer, Principal Deputy NSA at White House National Security Council, on further consolidating the India-US strategic partnership.

New Delhi:Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla on Friday met US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Colin Kahl and discussed ways to advance strategic and defence partnerships between India and the US.

They also agreed to coordinate on shared priorities exchanged views on regional issues - Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific - and agreed to coordinate on shared priorities ahead of the India-US Ministerial 2+2 dialogue later this year. The Indian Embassy in Washington DC said, "Foreign Secretary @daysshvshringla met @DOD_Policy Colin Kahl and discussed ways to advance India-US strategic and defence partnerships".

During his three-day official visit to Washington DC, Shringla interacted with strategic experts from the prominent US think tanks on regional and global issues and different facets of the India-US strategic partnership. He also met with Jon Finer, Principal Deputy NSA at White House national security council on further consolidating the India-US strategic partnership. Both the leaders reviewed regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan and Indo-Pacific region.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary also addressed members of the USISPF Industry Advisory Council on India’s economic recovery, the pandemic situation and measures to facilitate investments into India. He also thanked the US business community for their support during the COVID second wave. While interacting with the media there, Shringla said the United States is watching the situation in Afghanistan carefully and that they're looking at how things are shaping up.

"I can't say whether there's any perceptible difference but, like us, they're watching carefully", the Foreign Secretary told mediapersons. He also said Pakistan, a neighbour of Afghanistan, has supported and nurtured the Taliban. "There are many elements that are Pakistan supported, so its role has to be seen in that context", Shringla said.