Lloyd Austin's trip comes over two weeks ahead of PM Modi's state visit to US during which the two sides are expected to unveil initiatives to expand the India-US global strategic partnership
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held wide-ranging talks with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin focusing on various key aspects of India-US defence ties and the regional security scenario including in the Indo-Pacific.
Describing the US-India relationship as one of the most "consequential" ones, Mr Austin said the partnership is a "cornerstone" for a free and open Indo-Pacific.