US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin likely to visit India next week

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is likely to visit India next week, said an official on Sunday, as the two allies seek to deepen military ties to counter the growing power of China in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

The first person visit by a top official of the new US President Joe Biden's administration will focus on enhancing cooperation, said the source, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the



matter.

 

Austin plans to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit some time in the week of March 15, the official added.

 

In January, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart Austin emphasised Washington's commitment to the Major Defense Partnership with New Delhi. The two leaders also held talks over the two countries' vision of an open and free Indo-Pacific region.