NEW YORK, 18 February, 2021 (TON): According to Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin considers India a critical partner for meeting the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and urges to build ties with it.

Kirby said on Wednesday, "The secretary is prioritizing this relationship, wants to see it continue to grow and develop and to get stronger."

 Answering the question regarding Austin’s view on relations with India, Kirby said "He looks very much looking forward to working on initiatives to do just that."

Austin considers India "a critical partner, especially when you consider all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region," he added.

The Pentagon said, Austin spoke last month with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and emphasized the Department's commitment to the US-India Major Defense Partnership, observing that it is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open.

Last week on President’s visit to the Pentagon, President Biden announced the formation of a new strategy task force to chart a strong path on China-related matters, he said, "We need to meet the growing challenges posed by China to keep the peace and defend our interests in the Indo-Pacific and globally."

As India has collaborated with bigger powers such as Australia, France, Japan, and the United States, that have provided a greater platform for New Delhi to expand its diplomatic footprint. Its relationship with island nations will shape India’s role in the Indo-Pacific. Due to the geographic proximity of the island states, both the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and to a greater extent Mauritius and Seychelles to India, their foreign policy choices will have a direct impact on New Delhi’s security environment.