<span style="color: #222222;">US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has praised India's COVID-19 initiative for SAARC countries. In a telephonic conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored the commitment to close communication between India and US during this period.<br />'' <br />'' Pentagon said in a statement that Mr. Esper expressed his appreciation for India's leadership in coordinating COVID-19 related relief efforts among South Asian countries. He also conveyed his intent to visit India at the earliest opportunity, the statement said. In the wake of the COVID – 19 outbreak, Mr. Esper had postponed his visit to India, schedule for this month.<br />'' <br />''<br />''The two leaders also discussed bilateral defence priorities, including ongoing regional cooperation and initiatives to enhance military-to-military engagement and defence trade.</span><br />