21st edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group meeting held in Delhi

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including capacity building, training exchanges, defence industrial cooperation and the advancement of joint exercises that bolster preparedness for conventional and hybrid threats, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Wednesday.

According to the release, the meeting was co-chaired by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lieutenant General JP Mathew, representing India and Deputy Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Lieutenant General Joshua M Rudd, representing the US. Senior officials from both countries took the opportunity to review the ongoing initiatives and explore new areas of cooperation.

Both sides emphasised the importance of the Indo-US defence partnership and committed to strengthening this strategic relationship through proactive engagement and enhanced interoperability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the scope of Indo-US military cooperation with a shared understanding of the dynamic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region.

The MCG is a landmark forum aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and fostering strategic and operational defence collaboration between the Armed Forces of both countries. The 21st MCG meeting represents a step forward in advancing the shared objectives of India and the US to ensure regional and global security, counter emerging threats and build mutual capabilities, the release added. (ANI)