During an official visit to India June 2-3, Ash Carter, the United States secretary of defense, met Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also met the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Before arriving in Delhi, Secretary Carter also visited the Eastern Naval Command.

Minister Parrikar and Secretary Carter discussed the India-U.S. defense relationship, and the broader India-U.S. strategic partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to expand and deepen the bilateral defense relationship. The two also reviewed the existing and emerging regional security dynamics.

Minister Parrikar and Secretary Carter signed the 2015 Framework for the India-U.S. Defense Relationship, which builds upon the previous framework and successes to guide the bilateral defense and strategic partnership for the next ten years. The new framework agreement provides avenues for high level strategic discussions, continued exchanges between armed forces of both countries, and strengthening of defense capabilities.

The framework also recognizes the transformative nature of the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). Both India and the United States have finalized two project agreements for joint development of mobile electric hybrid power sources and the next generation protective ensembles.

In addition, building on the areas of agreement during President Obama’s visit to India in January 2015, Minister Parrikar and Secretary Carter agreed to expedite discussions to take forward cooperation on jet engines, aircraft carrier design and construction, and other areas. The two also agreed to pursue co-development and co-production projects that will offer tangible opportunities for American defense industries to build defense partnership with the Indian industries including in manufacturing under ‘Make in India’.

Minister Parrikar and Secretary Carter agreed to continue their efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as maritime security and knowledge partnership in the field of defense.

Secretary Carter thanked Minister Parrikar for the help extended in the search for the U.S. helicopter which went missing during the relief operations in Nepal.

Secretary Carter invited Minister Parrikar to visit U.S. for the next meeting. Minister Parrikar accepted the invitation in principle.