The decision, signed by Austin on 8 August, was made in order to meet the Congressionally-mandated reductions in the number of generals and admirals in the military.
US Generals are spilling it against their military establishment on the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. And the testimonies are unedifying – everyone is blaming everyone else.
During the telephone call, Defence Minister Singh and his American counterpart spoke on issues pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation, including situation in Afghanistan.
Defence secretary Lloyd Austin Monday discussed Afghanistan's security situation with General Qamar Bajwa and expressed interest in building upon shared interests in the region.
In an hour-long meeting, both sides took stock of the ongoing Taliban peace talks, & the intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan, along with the strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific.
The meeting comes after Austin held talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Jaishankar said he looks forward to working with Austin to enhance India-US strategic partnership.
Lloyd Austin is first US Secretary of Defense to include India on his maiden trip abroad. His visit begins Friday, and he’s set to meet PM Modi, Rajnath, Jaishankar, and NSA Doval.
India’s fledgling defence industry has struggled to translate capacity into mass production or compete globally, resulting in continued reliance on imports.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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