India-US naval cooperation committed to support free Indo-Pacific: US Defence Secretary

US Secretary of Defence Dr. Mark T.

Esper on July 21 put a light on their vision towards the security in Indo- pacific region.

He highlighted rapid increase in defence cooperation with India and even mentioned about focus of US over the situation between India and China.

"I want to highlight our increased defence cooperation with India, one the all important defence relationships of 21th century.

We conducted our first-ever joint military exercise last November," said US Defence Secretary.

He added, "As we speak today, USS Nimitz is conducting combined exercise with Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and support to a free and open Indo-Pacific." "We are obviously monitoring the situation between India and China very closely, what's happening along the Line of Actual Control and we are very pleased to see both sides are trying to de-escalate the situation," he said further.