India and US discuss 'networked security architecture', says Pentagon

Washington: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his American counterpart Ashton Carter on Sunday discussed the progress made on "a wide range" of defence issues, including the importance of”networked security architecture" for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, the Pentagon said.

During their meeting in Singapore on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue, the two leaders also reviewed the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US next week.

"The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment, and discussed the importance of a principled, networked, security architecture to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific," Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement on the fifth meeting between the two within a year.

"They also discussed progress made on a wide range of bilateral defence issues and committed to further efforts to expand defence cooperation between the United States and India," Mr Cook said.

They agreed to continue close cooperation, he said.

India and the US have been increasingly working together and networking security, Mr Carter has said, adding that India-US military relationship is as close as it has ever been.

Apart from Mr Parrikar, Mr Carter also held meetings with his counterparts from Japan and Malaysia.

With Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, Mr Carter signed a Reciprocal Defence Procurement Memorandum of Understanding, which will increase defence technological collaboration and cooperation, Mr Cook said.

Mr Carter and Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin exchanged views on regional security in Southeast Asia.

"They discussed the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, and Secretary Carter noted that the UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the Philippines-China claims will be binding on both parties," Mr Cook said.