Hagel pushes defense sector relationship with new Indian government

NEW DELHI, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met Friday with Indian officials in New Delhi to discuss increasing U.S.-India strategic cooperation.

In his meeting with newly-installed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Hagel focused on strengthening relations between the two countries, particularly with regard to the defense sector.

"The U.S. wants to be a partner in India's military modernization, and recognizes India's need to strengthen their defense-industrial base," the Pentagon said in reference to Hagel's visit.

According to Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, the leaders discussed "Iraq, Afghanistan, the threat of terrorism in the Middle East, as well as security issues in the areas comprised by the Indian and Pacific oceans."

While in India, Hagel participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Amar Jawan Jyoti War Memorial at the India Gate.