Panetta discusses strategic defence ties with Antony

Jun 06, 2012 |

New Delhi

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United States Defence Secretary Leon Panetta met India's defence minister A.K. Antony here on Wednesday and reportedly briefed him about the new U.S. military strategy in the Asia Pacific region.

The two leaders also reviewed progress in strategic bilateral defence ties. Panetta is in India on a two-day visit, as part of his weeklong Asia tour.

On Tuesday, Panetta encouraged the Indian leadership to take a more active role in Afghanistan as international forces leave, saying Washington viewed New Delhi as a source of regional security.

India signed a security agreement with Afghanistan last year and has longstanding ties with Kabul, but the relationship is viewed with suspicion by Pakistan.

The Afghan conflict is considered by some to be a proxy war between the two nuclear neighbours.

American officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan for influence in Afghanistan but insisted that both countries had an interest in working with the international community to ensure stability in their northern neighbour.

Panetta and Antony also reportedly discussed China's growing military budget and its belligerent behaviour in the South China Sea.

On Tuesday, Panetta met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed the measures that need to be taken to deepen defence ties with India.

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