US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to Meet Modi, Nirmala Sitharaman in India

United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will conduct talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his visit to the country next week.This is the first time that a Cabinet-level visit under US President Donald Trump’s administration is being made to India.

“Mattis will emphasize that the United States views India as a valued and influential partner, with broad mutual interests extending well beyond South Asia,” a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Defence said. “The secretary will also express US’ appreciation for India’s important contributions toward Afghanistan’s democracy, stability, prosperity, and security.”

During his visit from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28, Mattis will also participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at India Gate. The visit comes a few days after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’ s bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meet. Tillerson and Swaraj discussed various issues associated with Pakistan, Afghanistan and global terrorism.

“One major factor that contributes to the India-U.S. global partnership is the challenges that the world faces,” Navtej Sarna, the Indian Ambassador to the United States said, Outlook India reported. “Today, India and U.S. stand together on many world issues. India and U.S. have alignment, strong convergence on countering terrorism, maritime. There is a challenge to keep your waters free for legitimate navigation, trade, and energy transport and again, India has a convergence of connectivity, various theatres particularly like Afghanistan.”

The bilateral talks between Swaraj and Tillerson and the upcoming visit of Mattis follow the announcement of two-plus-two strategic and defense dialogue between the two countries at the White House in June after the India-US summit between Modi and Trump.