The operation was conducted near Lakshadweep Islands by the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones on April 7.

Aware of India’s sensitivity to criticism of its rights record, Austin said at a news conference that it was normal to have 'those kinds of discussions’ with America’s partners.

Lloyd Austin held wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and said India is an increasingly important partner amid rapidly shifting international dynamics.

With the China threat looming large across the 3488-kilometer Line of Actual Control, India-US defence ties are poised to take off.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called on PM Narendra Modi on Friday and conveyed the Biden administration’s strong desire to strengthen Indo-US defence ties

Comprising countries like Italy, Pakistan, Mexico and Egypt, the Coffee Club has opposed the permanent membership bid of India

Conversations with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and NSA Jake Sullivan underlined that India and the US were uniquely positioned to work closely on regional and global issues

The statement comes after India purchased the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite a warning from the Donald Trump-administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

The US Secretary of State also used the #ModiHaitoMumkinHai in the tweet

We have been engaged with India, shown our moral support and made sure there's a peaceful resolution and de-escalation of the situation, an official said

The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had earlier recommended designating India as a country of particular concern.

The ties between India and the US have witnessed a major upswing in the last four years, particularly in areas of defence and security.

They discussed cooperating on global challenges like Covid-19, global health security, climate change, human rights, global economic recovery.

A policy document says Joe Biden's presidency will reinstate DACA, remove the 'Muslim ban', increase global refugee admissions under immigration reform.

India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities.

India and the US signed the landmark defence pact, BECA, that will allow sharing of high-end military technology between the two countries.

Pompeo had earlier criticised China for ‘instigating’ a deadly confrontation with India in eastern Ladakh.

The US Secretary of State and Defence Secretary will also meet PM Modi during their visit.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper will meet their Indian counterparts on Tuesday in New Delhi.

The bilateral trade between the two countries grew from USD 126 billion in 2017 to USD 145 billion in 2019.