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Release
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh

Sept. 20, 2021

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh by phone Monday.

Secretary Austin thanked India for its cooperation throughout the evacuation and retrograde mission in Afghanistan, and both leaders committed to continue to monitor the situation in Afghanistan and to assist remaining at risk groups.  They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open.

Secretary Austin applauded continued progress in deepening the U.S.-India defense relationship, and said that he looks forward to hosting Minster Singh in Washington this fall for the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue meeting.

Austin Defense Secretary partnerships