U.S. efforts to bring India closer to the West are continuing, particularly in the areas of defense and security, with the world¡¯s two largest democracies agreeing to accelerate defense-industrial collaboration and strategic technology partnerships that would reduce New Delhi¡¯s dependence on Russian military equipment.

Following ¡°two-plus-two¡± talks Friday in New Delhi, the nations¡¯ top diplomats and defense chiefs also decided to expand collaboration in emerging domains, such as space and artificial intelligence and support India¡¯s goals of emerging as a global defense hub, highlighting how the strategic partners are increasingly aligning their approaches to areas of common concern.

¡°We¡¯re integrating our industrial bases, strengthening our interoperability, and sharing cutting-edge technology, ¡± said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, adding that in the face of ¡°urgent global challenges, it¡¯s more important than ever that the world¡¯s two largest democracies exchange views, find common goals and deliver for our people.¡±