A representative for the US State Department told reporters, “We collaborate closely with India on our most important priorities.”
The Biden administration declared on Thursday that America’s relationship with India is one of the most important, just hours after informing Congress of its intention to sell 31 weaponized drones to India for an estimated USD 4 billion.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the significance of the partnership with India during his daily news conference, stating, “I would say that our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships. We work closely with India on our most vital priorities.” This underscores the collaborative efforts and shared commitment between the two nations on key matters of importance.
Miller highlighted the strong collaboration with the outgoing Indian ambassador, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, stating, “We have developed a close working relationship with Ambassador Sandhu and have had the opportunity to collaborate on several shared priorities. This includes India’s pivotal role in promoting a free, open Indo-Pacific that is interconnected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.” We wish him well in his future endeavors and look forward to welcoming his replacement, he added. In response to a query, Miller stated that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Indian colleague S Jaishankar have a close working relationship in which they can discuss some of the most crucial and pressing issues.
“The secretary has visited India several times to engage with the foreign minister. He has extended a warm welcome during their meetings here and also had discussions in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly,” stated Miller.
Ratnavali