US has ‘terrific cooperation’ with India inside Quad: White House

 WASHINGTON: The US has a ‘significant’ defence partnership with India and "terrific cooperation" inside the Quad, the White House said ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit beginning June 22.

"The US has a significant defence partnership with India and terrific cooperation inside the Quad and across the Indo-Pacific with India. There's a lot to talk about. We're looking forward to the visit," John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House, told reporters on Monday.

"I don't believe that the full agenda has been fleshed out for the state visit, but we are very much looking forward to having Prime Minister Modi here," Kirby said in response to a question.

The deal to build GE-414 engines in India is set to be announced during the Prime Minister's visit to the US from June 21–24.

Major defence deals are likely to be on the cards, including an agreement estimated to be worth Rs 22,000 crore between the two nations to buy 30 MQ-9B-armed drones.

According to reports, Modi and President Joe Biden will discuss Indo-Pacific and maritime security issues amid China's growing assertive activities in the region.

The two leaders will also explore opportunities to expand and consolidate engagement in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. (IANS)

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