Prime Minister receives U.S. Secretaries of State and Defence.

U.S. Secretary of State, H.E. Mr. Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defence, H.E. Mr. Lloyd Austin, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.The two Secretaries briefed PM on their discussions with Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, in the “2+2” format.They also highlighted progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation, including defence, semiconductors, emerging technology, space, health, in follow-up to PM’s State Visit to the U.S. in June 2023 and the meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.PM expressed satisfaction at the deepening cooperation in all areas and noted that the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the U.S. is anchored in democracy, pluralism, and respect for rule of law.They also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing developments in West Asia. They emphasized on the need for continued close coordination between India and the U.S. on these issues.PM conveyed warm greetings to President Biden and said that he looked forward to continued exchanges with him.