India, US vow to boost security ties during Doval’s visit

National Security Adviser’s meetings focus on cooperation in addressing terrorism in South Asia

India and the United States have pledged to deepen defence partnership and decided to collaborate on a wide range of regional issues including maritime security and counter-terrorism.

This was decided during National Security Adviser Ajit K Doval’s meetings in Washington with US Defence Secretary General (Retd) James Mattis, Secretary of Homeland Security General (Retd) John Kelly and National Security Adviser Lt Gen H R McMaster.

In all these meetings, the common thread was expansion and deepening of India-US cooperation in collectively addressing the challenge posed by terrorism in South Asia.

He also met Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the powerful Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

“Mattis specifically applauded India’s efforts to promote stability in the South Asia region. Both leaders reaffirmed building upon the significant defence cooperation progress made in recent years,” Pentagon Spokesperson Capt Jeff Davis said, adding the two leaders discussed their role in cooperating to uphold international laws and principles.

“Secretary Mattis and NSA Doval further discussed collaboration on a range of regional security matters including maritime security and counter terrorism. They pledged to continue the strong defence partnership,” Davis said.

Doval and McMaster during their meeting at the White House on Thursday “committed” to work together as partners to “combat the full spectrum” of terrorist threats, affirming that both great democracies stand together in the fight against terrorism, a senior US official said.