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India Will Be The Most Consequential Partner For US In Indo-Pacific This Century: US’ Defence Secretary Mark Esper
Defense Secretary Mark Esper addresses virtual attendees of the Aspen Security Forum from the Pentagon Briefing Room, Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2020. (DoD photo/Jack Sanders)
United States (US)' Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said yesterday (20 October) that India will be the most consequential partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific this century, reports Livemint.
Speaking on a webinar organised by a think tank identified as The Atlantic Council ahead of his visit to India for the 2+2 ministerial dialogue, Esper said, "Secretary Pompeo and I will be there next week. It's our second 2+2 with the Indians, the third ever for the United States and India. And it's very important. India will well be the most consequential partner for us, I think, in the Indo Pacific for sure in this century."
Meanwhile, it should be noted that at the Webinar, Esper said, "There are a number of things that the US has been discussing with the Indians for some time. We've made good progress on a number of them, but we'll release information on that when it's appropriate."
The bilateral relations between the two nations have been witnessing a strengthening thaw over the recent years, and the upcoming 2+2 meeting is likely to add further depth to the same.
