NEW DELHI (TIP): US Defense Secretary James Mattis arrived Sept 25 night, on a three day visit to India, the first cabinet level under the Trump Administration. Secretary Mattis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday Sept 26, with the goal of strengthening the pace of US-India defense cooperation and India’s role in peace and security in the Asia Pacific region. The bilateral defense deals discussed expanding trade and investments under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiatives (DTTI), along with specific proposals on F-16 and F-18A under Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. American companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin have offered to assemble the planes in India.

 In a statement ahead of the visit, the Pentagon said, “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 US appreciation for India’s important contributions toward Afghanistan‘s democracy, stability, prosperity, and security.” Mattis is also expected to discuss how to advance “major defense partnership”, a designation given to India by the previous Obama administration which has been continued by the Trump administration. The Pentagon is keen for more India specific documentation that would provide fundamental processes, satisfy India’s concerns and meet Congressional legislative mandates.

 This is the first follow up visit by a US cabinet official, since Prime Minister Modi’s June trip to the US and comes a week after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session. Swaraj and Tillerson talks had reviewed terrorism and bilateral relations in defense and security. President Trump’s new Afghan policy envisages India as “a critical part of the South Asia strategy for America,’ with a more prominent role for developing the war- ravaged nation.

Earlier James Mattis called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept 26 to discuss bilateral issues.

Prime Minister recalled his wide-ranging, candid, and fruitful discussions with President Trump during his visit to the United States in June this year. Both sides had reaffirmed their resolve to further develop their strong strategic partnership. Secretary Mattis briefed Prime Minister on the progress in advancing the bilateral agenda and implementing the decisions taken during that visit.

They also discussed enhanced cooperation, regionally and globally, in pursuing shared priorities for peace, stability and combating terrorism.

Prime Minister appreciated the close engagement between the two countries on regional and global issues of mutual concern.