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Panetta discusses strategic defence ties with Antony | United States Defense Secretary Leon Panetta met India ’s Defence Minister AK Antony here on Wednesday and reportedly briefed him about the new US military strategy in the Asia Pacific region. The two leaders also reviewed progress in
strategic bilateral defence ties. Panetta is in India on a two-day visit, as part
of his weeklong Asia tour. On Tuesday, Panetta encouraged the Indian leadership
to take a more active role in Afghanistan as international forces leave, saying
Washington viewed New Delhi as a source of regional security. India signed a security
agreement with Afghanistan last year and has longstanding ties with Kabul , but
the relationship is viewed with suspicion by Pakistan . The Afghan conflict is
considered by some to be a proxy war between the two nuclear neighbours. American
officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the longstanding rivalry
between India and Pakistan for influence in Afghanistan but insisted that both
countries had an interest in working with the international community to ensure
stability in their northern neighbour. Panetta and Antony also reportedly discussed
China 's growing military budget and its belligerent behaviour in the South China
Sea . On Tuesday, Panetta met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed the
measures that need to be taken to deepen defence ties with India.
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