Indian and US defence ministers hold talks, issue of upheaval in Afghanistan at forefront of discussion

New Delhi: – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held telephonic discussions with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The defence ministry said the talks were focused on bilateral defence cooperation and developments in Afghanistan. Rajnath Singh and Lloyd Austin are also said to have discussed counter-terrorism activities in the sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon be paying a visit to the United States and will hold bilateral talks with President Joe Biden. The discussions between the defence ministers become significant against this background.

Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden are scheduled to be held on September 24. This will be followed by a discussion of the heads of state of QUAD member countries, convened by President Biden. Against the background of the upheavals in Afghanistan, this discussion gains paramount importance. Afghanistan has been facing anarchy ever since the Taliban came to power, and there are indications that the country is on the verge of a collapse. The Taliban will not be able to retain control in Afghanistan, and it is evident that the organisation is not willing to give up terrorism and extremism. At the same time, the Pakistani and Chinese influence on the Taliban is detrimental to Indian and US interests.

American analysts and diplomats are drawing attention to this. Therefore, the importance of India-US cooperation on the issue of Afghanistan has increased tremendously. A few days ago, US Secretary of State Blinken said that discussions were underway on using Indian airspace to launch attacks in Afghanistan. But India has not given and any clear indications. However, the Global Times, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese regime, has taken cognisance of this. The Global Times has said, ‘If India were to support the US invasion of Afghanistan, it would be a very inappropriate decision.’

Against this background, the discussions between the defence ministers of the two countries become significant. The Indo-Pacific region was also featured in the discussion. The mention of Indo-Pacific by the defence ministers of the two countries is strategically essential, against the background of the QUAD meeting convened by President Biden. China had severely criticised the QUAD meeting. The QUAD is accused of being anti-China, claiming it to be the Asian NATO. India has dismissed the Chinese allegations.