US Commander's India Meetings Feature China's Military Expansion

Admiral John Aquilino, on a visit to India, held extensive talks with CDS Gen Rawat, and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, besides Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.

China's military build-up has been the largest since World War II and the real question is the intent behind the expansion as words of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) do not always match its deeds, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino said on Wednesday. Admiral Aquilino, on a visit to India, held extensive talks with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with a focus on further strengthening the bilateral defence partnership. The Commander said the US's relationship with India is based on "aligned values" and presents an important model for building enduring partnerships. "As we increase interoperability, information-sharing, and access with allies and partners across the globe, this partnership enhances our capabilities, improves our coordination, and shows that we are stronger when we stand together," he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).