The United States has affirmed its commitment to strengthening its defence partnership with India, according to the Pentagon. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries during a news conference. He stated, "We very much appreciate our relationship with India on a defence level. We continue to foster a stronger defence partnership with India and that is something that I think you'll continue to see us do going forward."

It is worth noting that the defence trade between India and the US has experienced significant growth over the years. Ryder highlighted that in 1997, defence trade between the two countries was almost negligible, but today it has surpassed USD 20 billion. This significant increase underlines the expanding cooperation and mutual interests between India and the US in the defence sector.

The Pentagon's focus on the Indo-Pacific region and its recognition of China as a principal challenge to national security were also emphasized. Ryder confirmed that while China remains a concern, the United States appreciates its partnership with India and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the importance of preserving sovereignty and upholding the international rules-based order to maintain peace and stability.

The reaffirmation of the US's commitment to strengthen defence ties with India is a positive development, as it signifies the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries. As the defence trade continues to grow and challenges in the region persist, the collaboration between India and the US becomes increasingly crucial for regional security and stability.