<span style="color: black;">India and US today reaffirmed that their closer cooperation in partnership with countries keen to uphold rules-based order, can promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">In a Joint Press statement after his talks with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, it is consistent with India's policy of SAGAR which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">He said, the recent and first Leaders' Summit of QUAD comprises India, USA, Japan and Australia has emphasized the resolve to maintain a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> <br />'' Mr Singh said, during the talks, they reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and resolved to further deepen the ties.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">The Minister said, India and US are determined to work together to realize the full potential of the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">Mr Singh said, both countries also plan to optimize the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement LEMOA, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement COMCASA and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement BECA and achieve their full potential to contribute to our security and prosperity.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">In his statement, Mr Austin said, India is an increasingly important partner in today's rapidly changing international dynamics. The US Defence Secretary said, he and Mr Singh had a very productive discussion.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">Secretary Austin said, Indo-US relationship is a stronghold of free and open Indo-Pacific region.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">He said, Prime Minister Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law and it reaffirms the shared vision for regional security.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin has also met with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in New Delhi. </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">The two leaders held a wide-ranging talks on the global strategic situation.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar said, he looks forward to working with US Secretary of Defence on enhancing  US-India Strategic Partnership. </span><br />''