DefenseNews: US defense secretary discusses upgrading India ties to counter China

NEW DELHI — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday discussed upgrading partnership with India, a major arms buyer, and set a road map for cooperation for the next five years as both countries grapple with China’s economic rise and increased belligerence, officials said. Austin’s visit comes as India strengthens its domestic defense industry by acquiring new technologies and reducing reliance on imports, particularly from Russia, its largest supplier of military hardware despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath…