New Delhi:
In a key diplomatic exchange, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, during which he reiterated India’s firm stand on terrorism and highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing record of cross-border terror activities, calling it a safe haven for internationally banned terrorist groups.
During the discussion, Singh thanked the United States for its consistent support in India’s fight against terrorism and conveyed that New Delhi’s actions under Operation Sindoor were measured, proportionate, non-escalatory, and targeted specifically at terrorist infrastructure. He emphasized India’s sovereign right to defend itself and deter any future attacks from across the border.
The conversation marked the third call between the two defence leaders since January, when Pete Hegseth took charge as US Secretary of Defense. Both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing initiatives and explored new areas to deepen defence cooperation, including strengthening interoperability, logistics sharing, integration of defence supply chains, joint military exercises, and collaboration with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, Singh and Hegseth agreed to further accelerate the momentum of the India-US strategic defence partnership, describing it as a critical and mutually beneficial relationship.
The conversation follows recent global developments after India’s counter-terrorism operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with US President Donald Trump last month, briefing him in detail on Operation Sindoor, which was conducted in response to the April 22 terror attack. President Trump reportedly expressed strong support for India’s stand against terrorism during that 35-minute call.
In parallel diplomacy, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Washington DC on Tuesday. Speaking after the meeting, Jaishankar asserted the need for the international community to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism. He stressed that “victims and perpetrators must never be equated,” and reaffirmed India’s right to defend its citizens.
“We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate our position,” Jaishankar said. He also confirmed that India plans to host the next Quad Summit and is preparing proposals to ensure it is productive. “I am sure our partners have ideas too. We will discuss and find common ground,” he added.
The coordinated diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Quad allies underline India’s strategic effort to bolster its global standing on anti-terrorism and defense cooperation, while maintaining its assertive approach on cross-border security challenges.
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