National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon to discuss the importance of the US-India relationship and the role of both nations in cooperating to uphold international laws and principles.
ALSO READ: After grounded by airlines; Gaikwad forced to travel by train
“Democracies like ours need this sort of dialogue and we have had a strengthening of the relationship over the last several years,” Mattis said in a statement after the meeting on Friday.
NSA meets with Defense Secretary Mattis at Pentagon @MEAIndia @NavtejSarna @DeptofDefense pic.twitter.com/iNWJNKPpMs
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) March 24, 2017
NSA meeting US Defense Secretary James N. Mattis at Pentagon #WashingtonDC today @MEAIndia @NavtejSarna @DeptofDefense pic.twitter.com/o830Ag83tR
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) March 24, 2017
During the meeting, the Defence Secretary specifically applauded India’s efforts to promote stability in the South Asia region, said Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, adding that both leaders reaffirmed their intent to build upon the significant defence cooperation progress made in recent years.
ALSO READ: Trump disappointed after healthcare bill defeat
“We share the values. We share the democracy. We all have the very common objective and interest, both for the region that I come from and also globally that’s able to work together, share our ideas and thoughts and bring about some new innovative changes and improvements,” Doval said.
ALSO READ: Shirish Kunder booked for tweeting on UP CM; later apologises
Mattis and Doval further discussed collaboration on a wide range of regional security matters, including maritime security and counterterrorism, Davis said, and the two leaders pledged to continue the strong defence partnership between both nations.