India-US ties message for China, Russia: Senator

October 30, 2020 12:43

An influential Republican Senator has praised the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen strategic ties with India during the recently concluded 2+2 ministerial dialogue, saying that bolstering the bond between the two countries will send a clear message to "adversaries" like China and Russia.

During the third edition of the Indo-US 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday, the two countries vowed to ramp up their overall security ties, and inked a total of five pacts, including the strategic Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) that will allow sharing of high-end military technology, classified satellite data and critical information.

The other pacts will facilitate cooperation in areas of nuclear energy, earth sciences and Ayurveda.

The talks were led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar from the Indian side and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark T Esper from the US side. Bolstering the bond between the United States and India makes both of our countries safer and sends a clear message to adversaries like China and Russia.

"I am encouraged by the progress President (Donald) Trump's foreign policy team is making to strengthen this strategic partnership," said Senator Kevin Cramer.

The relations between China and the US have in recent months worsened over a range of issues like the coronavirus pandemic, trade, Beijing's increasing grip on Hong Kong and alleged human rights abuses against minorities in the Xinjiang province. India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May that has significantly strained the bilateral ties.

A stronger relationship with India also opens the door for further economic opportunities, Cramer said. Cramer had met high-ranking Indian officials last year to discuss strengthening ties between the two countries and the issues that impact North Dakota, like agriculture, energy, and immigration, the senator's office said. -- PTI

Image: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar from the Indian side and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark T Esper from the US side at the recently concluded 2+2 defence talks in Delhi.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

It's just the beginning for Rinku: Ganguly

Rinku Singh shouldn't be disheartened by his exclusion from India's World T20 squad as it was pure tactical decision, said former captain Sourav Ganguly.

JD-S worker steps up, accuses Prajwal of rape, filming it

The crime investigation department booked Prajwal, grandson of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, after a JD-S worker from Hassan lodged a complaint against him.

Prajwal Revanna booked for rape, says CM Siddaramaiah

He said he has directed police to identify, trace and secure the victims in view of the alleged kidnapping of a victim at Krishnaraja Nagar town in Mysuru district.

Kerala shocker: Woman delivers in bathroom, throws newborn on to street

The police said the woman has been taken into custody after being traced using the address on the Amazon delivery packet in which the child was wrapped and thrown.

Ready For Some Dark Love On OTT?

Holidays turn into horror, Bhansali brand of razzmatazz and tons more on OTT this week.