Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a productive meeting with the Director of National Intelligence of the United States Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on Monday when they discussed avenues to collaborate in cutting-edge defence innovation and niche technologies.

"Drawing from the Joint Statement issued after the recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Mr Donald Trump, the discussions reaffirmed the growing strength of the India-US bilateral defence partnership," read the government statement.

Both leaders emphasised that strategic security remains a vital pillar of the comprehensive global strategic cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting, Rajnath Singh and Tulsi Gabbard reviewed the significant strides made in the areas of military exercises, strategic cooperation, integration of defence industrial supply chains and information-sharing cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, between India and the US.

Defence Collaboration

The two leaders explored avenues for collaboration in cutting-edge defence innovation and niche technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests.

They also addressed key areas such as enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of defence industrial supply chains to bolster resilience and innovation.

Singh expressed gratitude to the US Director of National Intelligence for her steadfast goodwill and admiration for Indian culture and heritage, noting that such sentiments further deepen the bonds of friendship between India and the US.

Modi-Trump

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who is in India for a three-day tour, on Monday said the premieres of both the nations are working towards strengthening "shared objectives and interests".

Gabbard, who arrived in India on March 16, called US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "very good friends".

"The ties between the US and India go very far back and (in Trump's second term) we are continuing to see the strengthening of that partnership and recognising the mutual interest of both countries - centred around peace, prosperity, freedom, and security," she told NDTV.