6 hrs ago
India-US officials discuss deeper bilateral defence cooperation ties
India and the United States are working to make their defence relationship stronger.
India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met lawmakers from the United States.
The delegation was led by Representative Brian Mast.
They discussed working together on military technology and defence industries.
Indian and United States soldiers also trained together in Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026.
The training included weapons practice, artillery, helicopters and combined military operations.
It took place across mountainous and desert environments.
Officials said the exercise helped the two armies understand each other and work together more effectively.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met a bipartisan United States congressional delegation led by Representative Brian Mast.
The talks focused on strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Officials emphasized defence industrial and technological cooperation between the two countries.
Indian and United States Army contingents recently conducted Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 in coordinated drills across mountainous and desert terrain.
United States Ambassador Sergio Gor said the exercise demonstrated trust, readiness, interoperability and shared purpose.
- Who
- India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Representative Brian Mast and a bipartisan United States congressional delegation; Indian and United States Army personnel also participated.
- What
- They discussed deepening bilateral defence cooperation, while the two armies conducted Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026.
- Where
- The meeting was reported from New Delhi, while the exercise included the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
- When
- The meeting took place on Monday; the military exercise activities described occurred last week.
- Why
- The discussions and training aimed to advance defence industrial and technological cooperation, interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding.
Key facts
- Meeting
- Rajesh Kumar Singh met a bipartisan United States congressional delegation.
- Delegation leader
- Representative Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
- Partnership
- India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
- Exercise
- Yudh Abhyas 2026.
- Training location
- Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
- Training activities
- Small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon systems, attack helicopter operations and combined-arms drills.
- United States ambassador
- Sergio Gor described the exercise as reflecting the strength of the defence partnership.
Quotes
Ministry of Defence
India’s Ministry of Defence, reporting the Defence Secretary’s meeting
“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.”
thehansindia.com
Sergio Gor
US Ambassador to India
“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,”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
India, US Armies Conduct Yudh Abhyas 2026 Drills
India and Japan Deepen Defence Technology and Security Cooperation
India, US Armies Conduct Joint Combat Drills in Uttarakhand
Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US Begin Joint Military Exercise
India and Saudi Arabia reaffirm defence strategic partnership
Indian, US Armies Conduct Joint Artillery Drills at Mahajan Range
Jairam Ramesh Questions Release in VanDyke Terror Probe
Modi Expected To Visit Belgium, United States And Canada
Modi Expected at December G20, Trump Talks and Quad Meeting
