The reason we spent time together is that the US-India relationship is destined to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
The reason we spent time together is that the US-India relationship is destined to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
Washington
: United States Defence Secretary Ashton Carter says he has spent more time with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in little over an year than any of his other foreign counterparts, a relationship he attributed to -"the new bonhomie-" in India-US ties.
-"Even before today's very productive discussion, which was our sixth meeting since I became Secretary of Defence, I had already spent more time with Minister Parrikar than I had with any other defence counterpart anywhere in the world,-" Carter told reporters at a joint news conference with his Indian counterpart yesterday.
Heaping praise on the Defence Minister, Carter said: -"One (of the reasons) is Minister Parrikar himself. He's a strong and effective leader. He's an innovator. He's a great partner and a true friend.-"
-"The second reason that Minister Parrikar and I spent so much time together is that the US-India relationship is destined to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century,-" he said.
-"We share so much, so many interests and values, as well as a common vision for peace, for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. As Minister Parrikar's busy itinerary and our extensive deliberations today demonstrate, that destiny is rapidly and surely becoming a reality,-" Carter said, soon after the two leaders concluded talks at the Pentagon.
After according Parrikar a ceremonial welcome at the Pentagon, the Defence Secretary accompanied him to the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon.
-"Fifteen years ago this week, our DOD community lost so many friends and colleagues and our nation lost too many fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters, sons and daughters,-" he said.
-"Unfortunately, I know also that the Indian air force recently experienced a tragedy of its own. One of its aircraft disappeared last month with nearly 30 people on board. On behalf of the men and women of the Defence Department, I offer our thoughts and our prayers for those missing and their families,-" Carter said.
