US’ Austin eyeing upgraded India ties to counter ChinaAP, NEW DELHIUS Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin yesterday discussed upgrading the partnership with India, a major arms buyer, and set a road map for cooperation for the next five years as both nations grapple with China’s economic rise and increased belligerence, officials said. Austin and Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh explored ways of building resilient supply chains, a statement from the Indian Ministry of Defence said. Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, left, shakes hands with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before his ceremonial reception at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi yesterday. “I’m returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our Major Defense Partnership. Together, we’re advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Austin wrote on Twitter after his arrival in New Delhi on Sunday.
