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In a significant diplomatic move, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in a telephonic conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday, delving into a spectrum of bilateral, regional security, and defence cooperation issues. 

 

The dialogue between the two leaders encompassed a comprehensive review of recent bilateral events and the ongoing bilateral Tri-Service exercise 'Tiger Triumph.'

 

The Defense Ministry disclosed that Singh and Austin took stock of recent bilateral developments, including the noteworthy INDUS-X Summit held in New Delhi in February 2024, and the initiation of the bilateral Tri-Service exercise 'Tiger Triumph' in India on March 18, 2024. 

 

Austin lauded the pivotal role played by the Indian Navy in anti-piracy operations within the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the strategic significance of maritime security cooperation between the two nations.

 

Furthermore, the conversation pivoted around the practical implementation of the India-US Defense Cooperation Roadmap, a pivotal agreement finalized last year to deepen defence ties. 

 

Pertinent issues regarding defense industrial cooperation, including the potential repair of US naval ships in Indian shipyards, were also on the agenda, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the defence partnership.

 

The bilateral exercise 'Tiger Triumph 2024,' emblematic of the robust defense cooperation between India and the United States, kicked off on Monday and is slated to continue until March 31. 

 

This tri-service humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise aims to enhance interoperability and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for seamless coordination during HADR operations.

 

The exercise will witness the participation of US Navy ships, alongside troops from the US Marine Corps and US Army. The harbour phase, scheduled from March 18 to 25, will pave the way for training visits, subject matter expert exchanges, and collaborative activities aimed at fostering mutual learning and cooperation.

 

The commencement of 'Tiger Triumph 2024' underscores the shared commitment of India and the United States towards bolstering regional security and humanitarian assistance capabilities, reaffirming their enduring partnership in safeguarding common interests and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.