Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with U.S. Defence Secretary Mark T Esper in Bangkok on Sunday on a range of issues of strategic importance including situation in the Indo-Pacific region and ways to further bolster bilateral security cooperation. The defence minister also held a separate meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono with a focus on adding further momentum to bilateral defence cooperation. In the meeting with Mr. Esper, Mr. Singh reaffirmed New Delhi’s vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on a rules-based order and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond. Mr. Singh and Mr. Esper also discussed a number of key issues concerning regional security and bilateral defence cooperation.

Source: The Hindu November 17, 2019 07:07 UTC