US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, during his visit to India, did not hesitate to describe such behaviour as a form of “bullying and coercion”. With ongoing tensions between China and India at the border in Ladakh, as well as China’s aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea He further emphasised that the India-US relationship serves as a “cornerstone” for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Austin made these remarks at a press conference held in New Delhi following detailed discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two leaders thoroughly reviewed the situation in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region, including the ongoing situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) facing China.

Austin pointed out that China’s actions include attempts to forcefully redraw borders, which poses a direct threat to the sovereignty of nations. He also highlighted the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which shares similar aims of changing borders through force and undermining national sovereignty.

Additionally, Austin emphasised the significance of collaborative military exercises between India and the United States. He acknowledged the existence of transnational issues such as terrorism and climate change in our rapidly changing world.

He stated, “So, democracies must now rally together around not only our common interests but also our shared values. Preserving and protecting the freedoms that are essential to peace and prosperity will require vigorous leadership from the United States and India. We still have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that the US-India partnership will help secure an open and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific and the wider world.”

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, during his visit to India, did not hesitate to describe such behaviour as a form of “bullying and coercion”. With ongoing tensions between China and India at the border in Ladakh, as well as China’s aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea He further emphasised that the India-US relationship serves as a “cornerstone” for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Austin made these remarks at a press conference held in New Delhi following detailed discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two leaders thoroughly reviewed the situation in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region, including the ongoing situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) facing China.

Austin pointed out that China’s actions include attempts to forcefully redraw borders, which poses a direct threat to the sovereignty of nations. He also highlighted the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which shares similar aims of changing borders through force and undermining national sovereignty.

Additionally, Austin emphasised the significance of collaborative military exercises between India and the United States. He acknowledged the existence of transnational issues such as terrorism and climate change in our rapidly changing world.

He stated, “So, democracies must now rally together around not only our common interests but also our shared values. Preserving and protecting the freedoms that are essential to peace and prosperity will require vigorous leadership from the United States and India. We still have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that the US-India partnership will help secure an open and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific and the wider world.”