<span style="color: #222222;">External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin today held wide-ranging talks on the global strategic situation. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Sources said, during the meeting in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar spoke about India's current security challenges and its  long term strategic outlook.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Conversation also covered changing global scenario, including Europe and West Asia. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In the meeting, assessments were exchanged on the peace process and the ground situation in Afghanistan and also the concerns and interests of regional powers and neighbours. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Dr Jaishankar appreciated the Biden Administration's engagement with India on this issue.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The two leaders recognized the steady growth of bilateral cooperation. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Dr Jaishankar apprised Defence Secretary of the progress and potential of various aspects of the leadership.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Highlighting the commonalities and convergence, he said that the relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">On the occasion, the Defence Secretary said that as the two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important for the two countries and we will lead with these values.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Dr Jaishankar agreed and emphasised on the fact that strong relationship between the two great democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world.</span><br />''