WASHINGTON -- In his first phone conversation with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis committed to build upon the “tremendous progress in bilateral defense cooperation made in recent years,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said yesterday.

In a statement summarizing the call, Davis said Mattis underscored the strategic importance of the U.S.-India relationship and India's role in advancing global peace and security.

“Secretary Mattis and Minister Parrikar affirmed their commitment to sustain the momentum on key bilateral defense efforts, to include the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative,” he added.