New Delhi (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Bangkok to attend the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), held bilateral meetings with various leaders including US Defence Secretary Dr Mark T Esper and Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand General Prawit Wongsuwan.
Rajnath Singh, on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus, also held deliberations with Defence Ministers of Japan, New Zealand and Australia namely Taro Kono, Ron Mark and Linda Reynolds respectively.
Rajnath Singh reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral defence relations with the respective leaders and discussed ways to further improving the ties.
During his meeting with US Secretary of Defence, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the increasing defence engagements between the two countries and looked forward to meeting again for the 2+2 meeting in Washington DC later next month.
He also discussed the regional security situation and shared with Dr Mark Esper India’s vision and perspective on the Indo-Pacific, an official statement said.
India and Thailand discussed wide-range of issues pertaining to bilateral relations. Rajnath Singh complimented the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand for the successful conduct of activities during the year as the chair of ADMM-Plus and ASEAN for 2019.
He also apprised General Wongsuwan about the Act East policy of India and the centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific policy.
While meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Taro Konowas, Rajnath Singh had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation. Both expressed satisfaction over the defence engagements and exercises between the Armed Forces.
He also met his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand and discussed the ongoing defence cooperation and potential areas for enhanced engagement.
The Australian Defence Minister is likely to visit New Delhi early next year during the Raisina Dialogue.
