United States diplomat to visit India for talks on defence issues

A senior American diplomat will visit India next week for talks on strengthening bilateral defence ties, including maritime security, and supporting New Delhi’s role as a “Major Defence Partner”, the State Department has said.

Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Clarke Cooper will travel to Singapore, India and Sri Lanka from May 29 to June 7.

In New Delhi, after attending the Shangri-La Dialogue from May 31 to June 2, Cooper will hold talks on defence cooperation and peacekeeping, two key areas of the rapidly growing US-India partnership as envisioned in the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

“US-India bilateral defence trade has risen from virtually zero in 2008 to USD 15 billion today. Talks will focus on supporting India’s role as a Major Defence Partner, expanding our security cooperation, and furthering opportunities for American industry,” the State Department said on Wednesday.

In Sri Lanka, Cooper will meet government officials and think-tank experts to discuss security, peacekeeping, clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance, counterterrorism and other areas of mutual interest.