New Delhi - Austin is set to engage with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh as both nations bolster their defense industrial collaboration, improve military interoperability, and foster innovation within their defense industrial bases. The visit will culminate in an extensive dialogue involving Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, followed by a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This visit occurs against the backdrop of significant advancements in defense industrial cooperation and defense technology innovation between India and the U.S. Throughout the summer, the two countries unveiled their roadmap, INDUS-X, aimed at expanding defense industrial cooperation and enhancing interoperability. The roadmap outlines key areas of collaboration, including technology related to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, undersea domain awareness, air combat and support, munitions systems, and mobility.

During Modi's visit to Washington, the U.S. and India announced their collaboration on critical jet engine technology, marking a notable milestone in their defense ties. Progress has also been made in fostering an innovation ecosystem, exemplified by the INDUS-X strategic platform's inaugural investor strategy session, where officials from the U.S. Defense Department and Indian Defense Ministry discussed harnessing private capital for defense innovation.

In continuation of these efforts, the INDUS-X Gurukul Education Series was launched, facilitating monthly events for government officials, private sector leaders, and startups from both countries to deliberate on business and technology development, regulations, and investor pitches.

Following engagements in India, Austin will extend his travels to South Korea and Indonesia, strengthening ties with U.S. allies in the region. In South Korea, he will participate in the 55th annual Security Consultative Meeting, marking the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The U.S. and South Korea are expected to release a defense vision statement, further underscoring the depth of their alliance.

In Indonesia, Austin will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministerial Meeting-Plus, involving representation from key countries in addition to ASEAN member states. The trip across the region aims to highlight the collaborative efforts of the U.S. and its allies in addressing pivotal issues in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing a shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity.