India
‘Our relationship with India has expanded greatly’: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reflects on his four-year term – Times of India
Speaking after a change of command ceremony in the The US Southern Command in Doral, Austin pointed to significant diplomatic progress and security efforts, which have expanded U.S. relations in several regions.
“Our relationship with India is much more extensive than before,” Austin said. He also highlighted similar cooperation efforts with the Philippines and Japan.
Reflecting on his four-year tenure, Austin noted the Department of Defense’s achievements and said, “It was an honor to honor the men and women of this command and thank them for strengthening partnerships and addressing security challenges in our hemisphere .”
Austin posted on social media after the ceremony, sharing his appreciation for the leadership transition of the US Southern Command from General Laura Richardson to Admiral John Holsey.
Amid global challenges, Austin pointed to the Pentagon’s balanced focus on Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. Despite continued security assistance to Ukraine and support for Israel’s territorial defense, he affirmed that the US remains committed to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We have strengthened NATO. We have united NATO. We have kept 50 countries focused on providing security assistance to Ukraine,” Austin added, noting that the Defense Department has united NATO and the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, a coalition of more than 50. countries, to support Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion.
Austin also addressed humanitarian concerns in Gaza and emphasized that the US views aid efforts as a priority. He revealed that he had discussed the subject with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and thanked him for his cooperation. “Today, when I spoke with [Gallant] for the last time in his position I once again emphasized how important [the humanitarian aid issue] is and thanked him for what he did to help us move things forward,” Austin said.
As his term came to an end, Austin expressed confidence in the military’s professionalism and resilience amid the upcoming transition to a new administration in 2025. While he declined to speculate on how a new commander in chief might manage military operations influence, Austin reaffirmed his faith. in the country’s military leadership, saying: “These senior leaders will remain focused on defending this country and succeeding through teamwork. I have 100% confidence in the future.”
The speech came amid historic political changes, as Donald Trump won the US presidential election on November 5, marking his return to office after serving non-consecutive terms. Trump’s victory was decisive, with more than 300 electoral votes, capturing all seven battleground states and securing the popular vote.
Celebrating his victory, Trump said: “America’s future will be bigger, better, bolder, richer, safer and stronger than ever before. God bless you, and God bless America.”
