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Mattis to Visit India: Drones, Fighter Jets on Table

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http://www.military.com/daily-news/...25.2017&utm_term=Editorial - Early Bird Brief



Fighter jets, drone deals and shared concerns over Afghanistan's security look set to dominate the agenda when U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis visits India this week.

Mattis is scheduled to arrive late Monday and is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his new defense minister, in the first visit by a top U.S. official since Donald Trump became president in January.

"The United States views India as a valued and influential partner, with broad mutual interests extending well beyond South Asia," a Pentagon statement said.

Trump and Modi met in June in Washington and the visit by Mattis is a sign "the political leadership in both countries place defense cooperation as a top priority", Mukesh Aghi, president of the U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum, told AFP.

Delhi and Washington share concerns about Afghanistan, with Trump announcing a new strategy for the war-torn country last month which cleared the way for the deployment of thousands more U.S. troops.

The president has urged India to increase assistance to Afghanistan's economy, and has lambasted Delhi's arch-rival Pakistan for offering safe haven to "agents of chaos".

Mattis "will express U.S. appreciation for India's important contributions toward Afghanistan's democracy, stability, prosperity, and security", the Pentagon said.

Experts are not expecting any Indian boots on the ground, though there may be some role for Indian military expertise in supporting the U.S.-led training and advisory mission with Afghan security forces.

India has long vied with Pakistan for influence in Afghanistan, building dams, roads and a new parliament in the troubled country. Last year it offered some $1 billion in aid.

Delhi frequently accuses Islamabad of stirring up violence in Afghanistan and harboring militant groups.

- Arms sales -

In 2016 the United States designated India a "Major defense Partner" with the aim of increasing military cooperation and cutting red tape to ease defense deals.

Mattis's predecessor Ashton Carter pushed hard for stronger defense ties and the Trump administration has not signalled any intention of changing course on this.

Trump has praised India for contributing to regional peace and stability and for buying U.S. military equipment.

Mattis is likely to seek to persuade India to buy Lockheed Martin's F-16 Block 70 aircraft in a deal potentially worth $15 billion.

Lockheed Martin has offered the most upgraded version of the jet fighter to India, the world's largest weapons importer.

The U.S. manufacturer is competing with Swedish defense giant Saab, whose Gripen E made its maiden flight in June.

India has said it needs at least 100 single-engine fighters to counter the growing air threat posed by China and Pakistan.

Saab and Lockheed have both offered to build the jets locally to comply with Modi's "Make-in-India" initiative, which aims to cut imports and build a domestic defense industry.

U.S. giant Boeing has also offered to set up a plant in India for production of its F/A 18 Super Hornet aircraft if it wins a deal.

A drone deal for the Indian Navy will also likely be up for discussion, a source familiar with the negotiations told AFP.

"Since Chinese assets have started to dominate the Indian Ocean region, the Trump administration is keen on fast-tracking the acquisition of the drones," the source said.

Many commentators have said that U.S.-India cooperation is crucial to countering an increasingly assertive China, which has been developing its military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific.

But Afghanistan will be front and center when Mattis meets defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will host her highest-level foreign delegation since being appointed earlier this month.

The visit comes as the Indian army takes part in a two-week joint military training exercise in the United States to forge closer ties on counter-insurgency, regional security operations and peacekeeping.
 
Fighter jets, drone deals and shared concerns over Afghanistan's security look set to dominate the agenda when U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis visits India this week.

Of course, they are on the table.
The US needs India's money which Modi has looted from Indian taxpayers through highest Petrol prices thus far. But the US also needs jobs back home as per the POTUS.


The United States views India as a valued and influential partner

As I said earlier, why not, the US knows Modi is out to splurge on defense.

The president has urged India to increase assistance to Afghanistan's economy, and has lambasted Delhi's arch-rival Pakistan for offering safe haven to "agents of chaos".

Mattis "will express U.S. appreciation for India's important contributions toward Afghanistan's democracy, stability, prosperity, and security", the Pentagon said.

The crafty US wants Modi to commit to some Indian men in Afghanistan, which Modi will comply (show off) only to bite the dust later on by Talibans. Read my lips, Indian casualties.


Mattis is likely to seek to persuade India to buy Lockheed Martin's F-16 Block 70 aircraft in a deal potentially worth $15 billion.

Lockheed Martin has offered the most upgraded version of the jet fighter to India, the world's largest weapons importer.

The U.S. manufacturer is competing with Swedish defense giant Saab, whose Gripen E made its maiden flight in June.

India has said it needs at least 100 single-engine fighters to counter the growing air threat posed by China and Pakistan.

Saab and Lockheed have both offered to build the jets locally to comply with Modi's "Make-in-India" initiative, which aims to cut imports and build a domestic defense industry.

Yes why not, where there are suckers (India), there are swindlers = USA
The US wants to sell their military hardware on their own conditions = No ToT.
Let us see if the sucker (Modi) wants to bite the bullet. The ultimate decision is always his, despite not knowing anything of defense hardware.


"Since Chinese assets have started to dominate the Indian Ocean region, the Trump administration is keen on fast-tracking the acquisition of the drones," the source said.

Many commentators have said that U.S.-India cooperation is crucial to countering an increasingly assertive China, which has been developing its military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific.

Above not happening.
Chinese are clever. They are not good chess players like the Russians, but they work with disciplined, determined & discerning attitude. They (Chinese) would withdraw their (North Korean) pledge to the US, like a bat out of hell.

This picture would be clear, when the rubber meets the road. New, know nothing & inexperienced Defense Minister, coupled with a sucker PM, one who loves to hug Trump and works on instincts and gut feelings, out to sell India for a song.
 
so 20 drones 4 bilion + 100 f16 15 bilion + maybe 50 f18 10 bilion

big order if it happens it will reach 20 to 30 bilion dolars.
 
Of course US wants India to buy its military hardware. It’s promoting its interests in doing so. It’s India interests to get the best deal, or no deal at all. Don’t see who’s trying to fool who here.
 
NEW DELHI , September 25, 2017 20:48 IST
Updated: September 25, 2017 20:48 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ian-troops-in-afghanistan/article19752808.ece

First Cabinet-level visit from Trump administration
U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis landed in India on Monday for his maiden three-day visit, the first by a Cabinet member of the Trump administration.

Officials said the focus was on deepening the defence partnership and expand the high technology cooperation, and among the key focus areas of discussion would be the situation in Afghanistan.

In the light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed engagement in Afghanistan and call for greater Indian role, Mr. Mattis could be expected to push for Indian troops in Afghanistan.

Indian aid to Afghanistan

India has already extended a $3-billion aid to Afghanistan and also provides training to its military and other assistance.

The two sides could also discuss the new Chinese posturing in the region and terrorism originating from Pakistan, officials said.


The Defence Secretary will hold a restricted dialogue with his counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman followed by delegation-level talks on Tuesday. After the talks, the two Ministers would issue press statements.

Later Mr. Mattis will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

The two sides are expected to conclude the formal agreement for holding a bilateral maritime exercise, focused on providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Defence talks

They are also expected to discuss significant measures under the Major Defence Partner (MDP) status.

They will also review high technology cooperation under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).

An Indian delegation led by Secretary, Defence Production, who co-chairs the DTTI from India, was in the U.S. recently to prepare the ground.

However, the cooperation is contingent on India signing other foundational agreements especially the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).

The U.S. has been pressing for early conclusion of the agreement but India has been cautions. Discussions are under way.

In a statement issued ahead of the visit, the U.S. Department of Defence had said the Secretary would emphasise that the U.S. viewed India as a “valued and influential partner, with broad mutual interests extending well beyond the South Asian region.”

Mr. Mattis would also express American appreciation for India’s important contributions toward Afghanistan’s democracy, stability, prosperity and security, it said.

time for india to start begging hahaah


Here its about international relations among time tested allies.

I dont think the US will start begging, India is interested in buying some american hardware

What we are talking about begging here ? Here its more about global issues and International relations.
 
He is the first Cabinet member of President Donald Trump's administration to visit India.

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Monday, September 25, 2017 - 23:57


627561-jim-mattis.jpg



New Delhi: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis arrived here on Monday on a two-day official visit during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss ways to boost strategic ties.

"This is a historic opportunity for our two democracies at a time of strategic convergence," Mattis told reporters on his flight.

The trip comes weeks after Trump unveiled a new Afghanistan strategy and urged India to increase assistance to the war-torn nation's economy. He also chided Pakistan for offering safe haven to "agents of chaos".


India, he said, has been a constant supporter of the fight against terrorists in Afghanistan.

"India, from our perspective, is clearly a pillar of regional stability and security. We share a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous vision in the Indo-Pacific region, one that's based on that strong, rules-based international order, and the peaceful resolution of disputes and territorial integrity," he said.

During his India visit, Mattis will lay a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and inspect tri-service guard of honour at the South Block lawns.

He lauded India for contributing tens of thousands of dollars for building infrastructure in Afghanistan and training Afghan officers.

"They've been a great asset, and we would see them continuing along the lines they have already chosen, and looking for any other areas that they may believe appropriate to the relationship with Afghanistan," he added.

“No nation has probably contributed more bilaterally than India in building that hope," he said.

Responding to a question on Pakistan, Mattis said it has come out recently again saying that they are fighting the terrorists. "I think Pakistan will find nothing out of line with India and the US alignment in the same fight," he said.

(With agency inputs)

http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-likely-on-agenda-as-us-defense-starts-visit-to-india-03519

The US Defense Secretary James Mattis is expected to start his visit to India next week amid reports the officials of the two countries will also hold talks on Afghanistan besides discussing other issues of bilateral interest.

According to the local media reports, Mattis is expected to arrive in New Delhi late on Monday.

He is expected to start meetings with the Indian officials from next week to hold talks on key issues, including the sale of fighter jets as well as the situation in Afghanistan.

His visit to India and likely discussions on the situation in Afghanistan takes place amid concerns by Pakistan regarding the growing role of India in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Prime Minister said last week that Islamabad wants zero political and military role for India in Afghanistan.

This will be the first visit by a top US official to India following the announcement of the new Us strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia.

President Donald Trump last month announced the new strategy and called for contribution of India in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

However, he strongly criticized Pakistan regarding the presence of the terror sanctuaries in the country.
 
Prime Minister's Office
26-September, 2017 18:21 IST
US Secretary of Defense James Mattis calls on Prime Minister



US Secretary of Defense James Mattis called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today afternoon.

Prime Minister recalled his wide-ranging, candid, and fruitful discussions with President Trump during his visit to the United States in June this year. Both sides had reaffirmed their resolve to further develop their strong strategic partnership. Secretary Mattis briefed Prime Minister on the progress in advancing the bilateral agenda and implementing the decisions taken during that visit.

They also discussed enhanced cooperation, regionally and globally, in pursuing shared priorities for peace, stability and combating terrorism.


Prime Minister appreciated the close engagement between the two countries on regional and global issues of mutual concern.

*****

Ministry of Defence
26-September, 2017 14:22 IST
Press Statement of Defence Minister after Delegation Level talks with US Defence Secretary James Mattis

His Excellency Mr. James Mattis, Secretary of Defence of the United States, Representatives of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is indeed a privilege to receive Secretary Mattis in Delhi. I extend a warm welcome to him on his first visit to India as Secretary of Defence.

He is a special visitor for me personally as he is the first Ministerial counterpart I have met since taking over my responsibility as Defence Minister of India.

We have just concluded very substantive, constructive and forward-looking talks. I thank Secretary Mattis for generously sharing his deep knowledge and wisdom of defence matters. I am confident that his knowledge and experience will contribute to further deepening defence and security cooperation between India and the United States.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India and the United States share a strong and vibrant strategic partnership. As the world's largest democracies, we also share fundamental values and interests.

Defence cooperation between India and the US has grown significantly in recent years and emerged as a key pillar of our strategic partnership.

Our military-to-military engagement continues to grow. We recently concluded the trilateral Malabar Naval Exercise in the Bay of Bengal along with Japan. This edition of Malabar demonstrated the progress made in operational synergies between our Navies. As we speak, our Armies are conducting their Exercise Yudh Abhyas. In our talks today, we agreed to explore additional, specialized exercises.

Cooperation in defence equipment has grown steadily over the past years. The US is now a leading supplier of state-of-the-art defence equipment to India. I appreciated Secretary Mattis' willingness to share further cutting-edge platforms which would enhance India's defence preparedness to meet current and emerging threats.

Secretary Mattis and I agreed that we need to expand on the progress already made by encouraging co-production and co-development efforts. I reiterated India's deep interest in enhancing defence manufacturing in India under Prime Minister's Make in India initiative. I thank Secretary Mattis for his supportive position in this regard and look forward to working closely with him to realize joint projects.

In this context, we agreed that the full implementation of the understanding reached following the announcement by the US last year recognizing India as a Major Defence Partner will provide further energy and momentum to our collaboration on defence technology and manufacturing.

We also discussed how to refocus and re-energize the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) as a mechanism to promote technology sharing as well as co development and co-production efforts.

We also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The situation in our neighbourhood and the growing menace of cross-border terrorism were discussed in depth. There is growing convergence in the approaches of both our countries on this issue. We both recognize the importance of holding those who use terrorism as an instrument of state policy to account and to dismantle the infrastructure that supports terrorism.

As you are aware, India welcomed President Trump's new US Strategy for Afghanistan announced last month. Today, I had useful discussions with Secretary Mattis on how we could strengthen our cooperation bilaterally as well as with the Government of Afghanistan in pursuit of our common objective of a peaceful, democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

We also discussed the issues relating to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the broader Asia-Pacific Region as well as regional connectivity issues. India supports the freedom of navigation, over-flight and unimpeded lawful commerce. We also believe that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law. I am happy to note that Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the US position in support of these principles. I also welcome his reiteration of the US commitment to work with India in ensuring maritime security in the lndo Pacific and as first responder to HADR situations.

From our discussions today, l am confident that we are entering a new phase in our strategic defence partnership with the United States. I once again thank Secretary Mattis for visiting India. I also thank him for inviting me to visit the United States to carry forward our discussions.

MJPS/NM/DK/RP
 
I hate that deal F16 one of the old technology also mq9 predator drone both totally waste if you purchase indian air force totally mad no knowledge person inside that air force waste of people money we demand for F35 or better go than Russian origin fighter and bomber aircraft. Is better are go for hell.
 
The US Secretary of Defence, Mr. James Mattis laying wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114155.jpg


The US Secretary of Defence, Mr. James Mattis paying homage to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114156.jpg

The US Secretary of Defence, Mr. James Mattis inspecting the Tri-Services Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114157.jpg


The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman welcoming the US Secretary of Defence, Mr. James Mattis, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114158.jpg

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the US Secretary of Defence, Mr. James Mattis at the delegation-level talks, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114159.jpg
 
Of course US wants India to buy its military hardware. It’s promoting its interests in doing so. It’s India interests to get the best deal, or no deal at all. Don’t see who’s trying to fool who here.

It is always good to remember that there are no permanent friends or foes in international geopolitics, only alignments of national interests, which are pursued as best as possible.
 
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the US Secretary of Defence, Mr. James Mattis issuing a Press Statement during media interaction, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114171.jpg


Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and U. S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis during their joint press conference at South Block in New Delhi. PTI
20170926191726.jpg



The US Defence Secretary, Mr. Jim Mattis calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114187.jpg


The US Defence Secretary, Mr. Jim Mattis calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114188.jpg


The US Defence Secretary, Mr. Jim Mattis calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on September 26, 2017.
s20170926114189.jpg


http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-sitharaman/article19756568.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI:, September 26, 2017 14:06 IST
Updated: September 26, 2017 21:41 IST

Nirmala%202jpg

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis at the South Block in New Delhi on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy


India, however, will continue its development and medical assistance there, says the Defence Minister.

India will continue its development and medical assistance to Afghanistan but will not send troops, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday.

“There shall not be any boots on the ground from India,” Ms. Sitharaman said in response to questions at a joint press conference with her U.S. counterpart, James Mattis.

There has been much speculation about India deploying troops in Afghanistan after U.S. President Donald Trump called for greater Indian involvement in the war-torn country.

After delegation-level discussions between the two Ministers, India and the U.S also resolved to eradicate safe havens for terrorists across the globe.

“There can be no tolerance of terrorist safe havens. As global leaders, India and the U.S. resolve to work together to eradicate this scourge,” Mr. Mattis said in a statement.

With increasing Chinese presence in the region, both sides put great emphasis on expanding their maritime cooperation.

Mr. Mattis landed in India on Monday for his maiden three-day visit, the first by a Cabinet member of the Trump administration.


India has already extended a $3-billion aid to Afghanistan and also provides training to its military and other assistance.
 
Last edited:
Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat before attending the delegation level talks between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and U. S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis at South Block in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI
20170926191712.jpg


http://www.deccanherald.com/content/635044/unsc-must-use-sanctions-weapon.html

Press Trust of India, United Nations, Sep 26 2017, 15:29 IST
618xNx635044_thump.jpg.pagespeed.ic.RPR1wtrxWL.jpg

Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to the UN. PTI file photo

India has asked the UN Security Council to use sanctions regime as a weapon against terror funding in Afghanistan and support the strengthening of the war-torn country's sovereignty and stability threatened by terrorist safe havens across the borders.

India also asked the international community to ensure that the forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens anywhere and at any level.

"We must not differentiate between good and bad terrorists, or play one group against the other. The Taliban, Haqqani Network, AI-Qaeda, Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and others of their ilk are all terror organisations, many of them proscribed by the UN," Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, said.

"The international community cannot remain silent. It is the international community's first and foremost duty to ensure that the forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens anywhere and at any level," he said in an apparent dig at Pakistan.

Participating in an open debate of the UN Security Council on Afghanistan, Akbaruddin said that these terrorist groups should be treated like terrorist organisations with no justifications offered for their activities.

Noting that the situation in Afghanistan has remained particularly painful and disturbing with security worsening and visible signs of withering away of the gains by the international community and Afghan people, the top Indian envoy said that the incessant attacks on hospitals, schools, funerals, or international development agencies, diplomatic missions are a matter of serious concern.

"The Security Council must act on the funds which the terrorists in Afghanistan are generating through their illicit activities. In this regard, we would like the Council to consider how the 1988 sanctions regime can be utilised and also leverage for progress in the peace process? These are significant instruments and must be utilised to their full capacity," he said.

"While making our collective efforts here at the UN or at other multilateral settings, we must be mindful to support the strengthening of Afghanistan's sovereignty and stability, the two things anti-Government terrorist elements are trying to undermine from their safe havens across the borders of Afghanistan," he said.

He said the multiple crises that have been inflicted on Afghanistan had made the country's territory attractive for criminal and terrorist groups, who are well connected to international terror and crime networks.

"These groups are stealing the resources of Afghanistan which ought to belong to the people of the country," he said.

Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani joined Akbaruddin in identifying terrorist safe havens across the border.

"The scourge of terrorism and violent extremism affecting Afghanistan is the product of a long-standing policy by a neighbouring State to keep Afghanistan unstable," he said.

"It has menaced Afghanistan for several decades now, with its roots located in terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens outside of my country," Rabbani said, adding that the new strategy of the United States for South Asia has generated new hope among people across the country.

"In this connection, we welcome the fact that the new strategy recognises the critical need to address the lingering problem of terrorist safe-havens and sanctuaries in our region; and for more determined efforts to end political, logistical and financial support enjoyed by terrorist groups," he said.

"Furthermore, the strategy's conditions based approach has addressed some uncertainties by reinforcing the right message that the international community's engagement will endure until Afghanistan becomes stable and secure," Rabbani said.

Ministry of Defence
26-September, 2017 14:22 IST
Press Statement of Defence Minister after Delegation Level talks with US Defence Secretary James Mattis

His Excellency Mr. James Mattis, Secretary of Defence of the United States, Representatives of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is indeed a privilege to receive Secretary Mattis in Delhi. I extend a warm welcome to him on his first visit to India as Secretary of Defence.

He is a special visitor for me personally as he is the first Ministerial counterpart I have met since taking over my responsibility as Defence Minister of India.

We have just concluded very substantive, constructive and forward-looking talks. I thank Secretary Mattis for generously sharing his deep knowledge and wisdom of defence matters. I am confident that his knowledge and experience will contribute to further deepening defence and security cooperation between India and the United States.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India and the United States share a strong and vibrant strategic partnership. As the world's largest democracies, we also share fundamental values and interests.

Defence cooperation between India and the US has grown significantly in recent years and emerged as a key pillar of our strategic partnership.

Our military-to-military engagement continues to grow. We recently concluded the trilateral Malabar Naval Exercise in the Bay of Bengal along with Japan. This edition of Malabar demonstrated the progress made in operational synergies between our Navies. As we speak, our Armies are conducting their Exercise Yudh Abhyas. In our talks today, we agreed to explore additional, specialized exercises.

Cooperation in defence equipment has grown steadily over the past years. The US is now a leading supplier of state-of-the-art defence equipment to India. I appreciated Secretary Mattis' willingness to share further cutting-edge platforms which would enhance India's defence preparedness to meet current and emerging threats.

Secretary Mattis and I agreed that we need to expand on the progress already made by encouraging co-production and co-development efforts. I reiterated India's deep interest in enhancing defence manufacturing in India under Prime Minister's Make in India initiative. I thank Secretary Mattis for his supportive position in this regard and look forward to working closely with him to realize joint projects.

In this context, we agreed that the full implementation of the understanding reached following the announcement by the US last year recognizing India as a Major Defence Partner will provide further energy and momentum to our collaboration on defence technology and manufacturing.

We also discussed how to refocus and re-energize the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) as a mechanism to promote technology sharing as well as co development and co-production efforts.

We also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The situation in our neighbourhood and the growing menace of cross-border terrorism were discussed in depth. There is growing convergence in the approaches of both our countries on this issue. We both recognize the importance of holding those who use terrorism as an instrument of state policy to account and to dismantle the infrastructure that supports terrorism.

As you are aware, India welcomed President Trump's new US Strategy for Afghanistan announced last month. Today, I had useful discussions with Secretary Mattis on how we could strengthen our cooperation bilaterally as well as with the Government of Afghanistan in pursuit of our common objective of a peaceful, democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

We also discussed the issues relating to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the broader Asia-Pacific Region as well as regional connectivity issues. India supports the freedom of navigation, over-flight and unimpeded lawful commerce. We also believe that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law. I am happy to note that Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the US position in support of these principles. I also welcome his reiteration of the US commitment to work with India in ensuring maritime security in the lndo Pacific and as first responder to HADR situations.

From our discussions today, l am confident that we are entering a new phase in our strategic defence partnership with the United States. I once again thank Secretary Mattis for visiting India. I also thank him for inviting me to visit the United States to carry forward our discussions.
 
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