Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Washington, D.C., today to discuss priorities for the U.S.-India bilateral defense partnership, to include strengthening policy and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific region and increasing defense industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Secretary Hicks reiterated that building alliances and partnerships are a top priority for the department, and integral to the ongoing implementation of the U.S. National Defense Strategy.
The deputy secretary thanked NSA Doval for India's leadership in the region and discussed avenues to deepen coordination between the U.S. and Indian militaries to address the region's increasingly contested strategic environment.
The two also discussed opportunities to increase bilateral defense industrial cooperation through innovative joint endeavors between U.S. and Indian firms that support India's unique operational requirements.
Deputy Secretary Hicks and National Security Advisor Doval said they look forward to making progress toward advancing the U.S-India defense partnership.
