Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said defence cooperation between India and the US has gone up significantly. Addressing a joint press conference with visiting US Secretary of Defence James Mattis, Ms. Sitharaman said, there is a need to expand the defence cooperation further. She said, security situation in Afghanistan and maritime security in Indian ocean were discussed. She said, Mattis has assured that he will raise the issue of terrorism with Pakistan when he visits that country.
US Secretary of Defence Mattis said, India and the US have suffered due to the menace of terrorism and they have recognised the global threat of terrorism. He said, high degree of team work is needed to wipe out the menace. Mr Mattis appreciated India’s efforts to put pressure of North Korea. He said his country will continue to maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea. He also appreciated India’s leadership in Indian ocean. US Defence Secretary had arrived in New Delhi yesterday.
