Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently on a five-day visit to the United States from August 21 to 26, 2024. During his visit to the US, the Minister is also scheduled to meet the US Secretary of Defence, Llyod Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. This visit is aimed to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Key Meetings and Agreements with United States 

These discussions will focus on deepening the collaboration and signing the two significant agreements between the countries, including the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement on the Assignment of Liaison officers. 

SOSA is a bilateral and non-binding agreement, signed between the two countries who have committed to provide support for goods and services that promote national defense. 

The Memorandum of Agreement on the Assignment of Liaison officers will help to enhance the defence industries between both the countries 

Addresses Indian Diaspora in Washington DC 

On Tuesday, while addressing the Indian diaspore in Washington DC at the invitation of the US Secretary of Defence, Llyod Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the growing strength of India-US relations and emphasized that both are long-term allies which are capable of working together to promote global peace and prosperity. 

Highlights Significance of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ 

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining cultural values and loyalty to both India and the United States and hailed the country’s message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The entire world is a family). 

While stressing upon this Indian philosophy, Minister Singh noted that India views all global communities as one family, a belief rooted in its spiritual heritage. 

Further he also mentioned about the India’s rapid transformation from past decade and played a significant role in enhancing its global stature. 

Focus on Defense Deals and Production Delays 

Notably, the central focus of Singh’s visit is addressing delays in crucial deals with India, including in the delivery of general electronics F404 engines, essential for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets. These delays have led to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from meeting its production targets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).  

The defense minister also aimed at finalizing some high-profile defense deals with the US. This visit is anticipated to play a significant role in shaping the future of India-US defence ties. It will not only address the immediate concerns related to defence but would also lay the groundwork for ongoing and future cooperation in high-tech areas. 

India’s fifth annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 

This visit comes after the India’s fifth annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held on November 10, 2023, New Delhi. During the meeting, Washington reaffirmed its commitment for India’s military modernization and the strengthening of maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region. 

This dialogue involved the high-level discussions between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and their US Counterparts, Secretary of state Antony Blinken and the secretary of Defence Llyod Austin.