U.S. Defence Secy. Jim Mattis to visit India next week

United States Defence Secretary Jim Mattis will visit India next week and hold talks with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to underscore the enduring Washington's commitment to strategic and defence partnership with New Delhi.

Mattis and Indian counterpart Sitharaman will discuss on issues ranging from counter-terrorism, maritime, regional and global matters.

This will be the first Cabinet-level visit to India under the Trump administration.

Mattis will emphasise that the United States views India as a valued and influential partner, with broad mutual interests extending well beyond South Asia, U.S. Department of Defence statement said.

During his two-day visit, from September 26. to September 28, the U.S Defence Secretary will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the India Gate.

The secretary will also express U.S' appreciation for India's important contributions toward Afghanistan's democracy, stability, prosperity, and security.

Indian Ambassador to United States Navtej Sarna said that the India-U.S. relationship have been transformed into a global partnership.

"One major factor that contribute to the India-U.S. global partnership is the challenges that the world faces, Today, India and U.S. stands together on many world issues. India and U.S. have alignment, strong convergence on countering terrorism, maritime. There is a challenge to keep your waters free for legitimate navigation, trade and energy transport and again , India have a convergence of connectivity , various theatres particularly like Afghanistan," Sarna said.