Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will embark on Sunday, Sept. 24, to underscore the enduring U.S. commitment to strategic partner India.
From Tuesday, Sept. 26. to Sept. 28, Secretary Mattis visits India where he will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the India Gate, and will meet with the Defense Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman, and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The secretary will emphasize that the United States views India as a valued and influential partner, with broad mutual interests extending well beyond South Asia. The secretary will also express U.S. appreciation for India’s important contributions toward Afghanistan’s democracy, stability, prosperity, and security. This is the first Cabinet-level visit to India under the Trump administration.