US Defence Secretary to arrive in India today; likely to discuss China issue with Govt

NEW DELHI: United States' Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin shall begin his 3-day India visit from today. On Saturday, he will hold talks with India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh.

Austin shall also meet India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval later in the evening today. The duo is likely to discuss China and important regional security issues including Afghanistan during the first visit by a top Biden administration official to India. This would be the first major interaction between the two sides since Biden assumed charge on January 20.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi on 2-day visit to poll-bound Assam from today

Austin is expected to reach India at 4 pm in the afternoon today. His crucial meeting with Doval is tentatively scheduled at 7 pm in the evening.

On Saturday, he is expected to lay wreaths at the National War Memorial; Guard of honour

On the same day, around 10:30 am, Austin shall hold a bilateral meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which will be followed by joint press statements.

The American Defence Secretary is also expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to meet the External Affairs Minister in the second half on Saturday.