NEW DELHI: India and the United States will on Tuesday sign an accord on sharing sensitive information ahead of talks between their defence and foreign ministers that will focus on countering China’s growing influence. The Pompeo-Esper visit to New Delhi is part of a concerted US campaign to draw India into a deeper defence relationship. Esper and Singh “reinforced their commitment to deepening military-to-military cooperation” during talks on Monday, said a US Defense Department statement. An Indian Defense Ministry statement said the two ministers discussed potential new areas of cooperation, without giving details. China’s growing investment and influence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives have sparked concern in both the US and India.

Source: Manila Times October 27, 2020 07:30 UTC