<p>US&nbsp;national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the&nbsp;Taliban has vowed to&nbsp;provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in&nbsp;Afghanistan's capital Kabul.</p>

<p>Some 3,200 people have been evacuated by the US military so far, a White House official said, including 1,100 on Tuesday alone, US citizens, permanent residents, and their families on 13 flights.</p>

<p>Washington wants to complete the exodus before its August 31 withdrawal deadline, and thousands of US soldiers were at the airport as the Pentagon planned to ramp up flights of its huge C-17 transport jets to as many as two dozen a day.</p>

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<p>"The Taliban have informed us that they are prepared to provide the safe passage of civilians to the airport, and we intend to hold them to that commitment," Sullivan said.</p>

<p>"We believe that this can go till the 31st. We are talking to them about what the exact timetable is for how this will all play out, and I don't want to negotiate in public on working out the best modality to get the most people out in the most efficient way," Sullivan added.</p>

<p><strong>Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/inside-pictures-of-plane-at-kabul-airport-as-afghans-battle-to-flee-taliban-rule-406237" hreflang="en">Inside pictures of plane at Kabul airport as Afghans battle to flee Taliban rule</a></strong></p>

<p>Sullivan said it is premature to say whether the United States recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate governing power in&nbsp;Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Right now there is a chaotic situation in Kabul where we don't even have the establishment of a governing authority," Sullivan said. "Ultimately, it's going to be up to the Taliban to show the rest of the world who they are and how they intend to proceed. The track record has not been good but it's premature to address that question at this point."</p>

<p>Sullivan said most people seeking to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;have been able to reach the airport, but the United States is addressing with the Taliban some reports of people being turned away.</p>

<p>"This is an hour-by-hour issue, and it's something we're very clear-eyed about, and very focused on holding the Taliban accountable to follow through on its execution," he said.</p>

<p>White House spokeswoman Jan Psaki said there are about 11,000 people in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;who have identified themselves as Americans, adding that there may be others "who may not have self-identified who may come and request assistance and come to the airport."</p>

<p>Psaki said the United States is prioritising the evacuation of American citizens, embassy employees and their families, locally employed Afghan staff and holders of and applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) available to interpreters and others who assisted the United States in&nbsp;Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Ask what the consequences could be if the Taliban does not stick to its commitment, she said: "The consequences are the full weight and force of the United States military, and I think we've made that clear."</p>

<p>"We're not trusting, we're not taking their word for it. We are watching closely, we are in close contact and we are certainly assessing whether they are going to abide by their commitments," Psaki added.</p>

<p>Army Major General William Taylor, with the US&nbsp;military's Joint Staff, told a news briefing earlier on Tuesday that 4,000 US&nbsp;troops would be at the airport by the end of the day,&nbsp;an increase of 1,000,&nbsp;and the aim is to have one flight taking off per hour.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the Taliban has vowed to provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the Taliban has vowed to provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Some 3,200 people have been evacuated by the US military so far, a White House official said, including 1,100 on Tuesday alone, US citizens, permanent residents, and their families on 13 flights. Washington wants to complete the exodus before its August 31 withdrawal deadline, and thousands of US soldiers were at the airport as the Pentagon planned to ramp up flights of its huge C-17 transport jets to as many as two dozen a day. "The Taliban have informed us that they are prepared to provide the safe passage of civilians to the airport, and we intend to hold them to that commitment," Sullivan said. "We believe that this can go till the 31st. We are talking to them about what the exact timetable is for how this will all play out, and I don't want to negotiate in public on working out the best modality to get the most people out in the most efficient way," Sullivan added. Also see| Inside pictures of plane at Kabul airport as Afghans battle to flee Taliban rule Sullivan said it is premature to say whether the United States recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate governing power in Afghanistan. "Right now there is a chaotic situation in Kabul where we don't even have the establishment of a governing authority," Sullivan said. "Ultimately, it's going to be up to the Taliban to show the rest of the world who they are and how they intend to proceed. The track record has not been good but it's premature to address that question at this point." Sullivan said most people seeking to leave Afghanistan have been able to reach the airport, but the United States is addressing with the Taliban some reports of people being turned away. "This is an hour-by-hour issue, and it's something we're very clear-eyed about, and very focused on holding the Taliban accountable to follow through on its execution," he said. White House spokeswoman Jan Psaki said there are about 11,000 people in Afghanistan who have identified themselves as Americans, adding that there may be others "who may not have self-identified who may come and request assistance and come to the airport." Psaki said the United States is prioritising the evacuation of American citizens, embassy employees and their families, locally employed Afghan staff and holders of and applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) available to interpreters and others who assisted the United States in Afghanistan. Ask what the consequences could be if the Taliban does not stick to its commitment, she said: "The consequences are the full weight and force of the United States military, and I think we've made that clear." "We're not trusting, we're not taking their word for it. We are watching closely, we are in close contact and we are certainly assessing whether they are going to abide by their commitments," Psaki added. Army Major General William Taylor, with the US military's Joint Staff, told a news briefing earlier on Tuesday that 4,000 US troops would be at the airport by the end of the day, an increase of 1,000, and the aim is to have one flight taking off per hour. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul evacuation: US says Taliban has pledged 'safe passage'

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US is actively looking at ways to potentially ease patent restrictions on coronavirus vaccines. This comes after a group of Democrats sent President Joe Biden a letter asking him to 'prioritize people over pharmaceutical companies.'

Jake Sullivan: US is actively looking at ways to ease COVID-19 vaccines patent

<p>The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system.</p>

<p>The aircraft is carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi’s international airport.</p>

<p>“The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti,” the US Embassy tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USIndiaDosti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USIndiaDosti</a> <a href="https://t.co/OpHn8ZMXrJ">pic.twitter.com/OpHn8ZMXrJ</a></p>
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/1387963303238897665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India is currently recording a world record infection rate of more than 380,000 cases and 3,500 deaths a day and a huge international aid operation has been launched with dozens of countries promising help.</p>

<p>The delivery, which flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed talks this week between US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>“The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday.</p>

<p>Coronavirus cases are surging in India amid a widespread oxygen shortage and slow vaccine rollout. The country's pandemic death toll surpassed 205,000 on Friday, amid reports that COVID fatalities and cases are going uncounted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning. A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system.

The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning. A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system. The aircraft is carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi’s international airport. “The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti,” the US Embassy tweeted. The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti pic.twitter.com/OpHn8ZMXrJ — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) April 30, 2021 × India is currently recording a world record infection rate of more than 380,000 cases and 3,500 deaths a day and a huge international aid operation has been launched with dozens of countries promising help. The delivery, which flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed talks this week between US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday. Coronavirus cases are surging in India amid a widespread oxygen shortage and slow vaccine rollout. The country's pandemic death toll surpassed 205,000 on Friday, amid reports that COVID fatalities and cases are going uncounted. (With inputs from agencies)

US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India 

<p>The United States said on Wednesday it was sending more than $100 million in supplies to Covid-ravaged India, including nearly one million instant tests on a first flight.</p>

<p>The White House said the first consignment would arrive on Thursday in New Delhi on a military plane, days after President Joe Biden promised to step up assistance to the emerging US ally.</p>

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<p>The first batch includes 960,000 rapid tests, which can detect Covid in 15 minutes, and 100,000 N95 masks for frontline health workers, the US Agency for International Development said.</p>

<p>The White House said total aid on flights in the coming days would be worth more than $100 million and include 1,000 refillable oxygen cylinders and 1,700 concentrators that produce oxygen for patients from the air.</p>

<p>"Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need," a White House statement said.</p>

<p>The White House said it was also sending supplies to India to produce more than 20 million vaccine doses.</p>

<p>The supplies are being diverted from US orders to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has not been approved for use in the United States.</p>

<p>India's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, worsened by shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen. The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world's largest single-day total, taking India's tally of infections to nearly 18 million.</p>

<p>The United States is determined to help the people of India in this moment of crisis, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said here as the first shipment of key life-saving medical supplies for the country took off from California.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The United States is determined to help the people of India. We will continue to stand together in our shared battle against COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/Om74VC0Fyx">https://t.co/Om74VC0Fyx</a></p>
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSullivan46/status/1387557530533048325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The move by the Biden administration came days after Sullivan, in a call with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, announced a series of COVID-19 relief aid to India.</p>

<p>On Monday, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US president is believed to have pledged all support that India would need in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Biden has directed the entire administration to work on a war footing to save lives in India. The Pentagon is deploying its resources as well.</p>

<p>USIAD said that it is airlifting vital medical supplies to India to save lives, stop the spread of COVID-19, and meet the urgent health needs of the Indian people.</p>

<p>"We're sending critical oxygen and O2 related supplies, N95 masks, &amp; rapid diagnostic testing kits to India w/more on the way soon," it tweeted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States said on Wednesday it was sending more than $100 million in supplies to Covid-ravaged India, including nearly one million instant tests on a first flight.

The United States said on Wednesday it was sending more than $100 million in supplies to Covid-ravaged India, including nearly one million instant tests on a first flight. The White House said the first consignment would arrive on Thursday in New Delhi on a military plane, days after President Joe Biden promised to step up assistance to the emerging US ally. The first batch includes 960,000 rapid tests, which can detect Covid in 15 minutes, and 100,000 N95 masks for frontline health workers, the US Agency for International Development said. The White House said total aid on flights in the coming days would be worth more than $100 million and include 1,000 refillable oxygen cylinders and 1,700 concentrators that produce oxygen for patients from the air. "Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need," a White House statement said. The White House said it was also sending supplies to India to produce more than 20 million vaccine doses. The supplies are being diverted from US orders to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has not been approved for use in the United States. India's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, worsened by shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen. The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world's largest single-day total, taking India's tally of infections to nearly 18 million. The United States is determined to help the people of India in this moment of crisis, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said here as the first shipment of key life-saving medical supplies for the country took off from California. The United States is determined to help the people of India. We will continue to stand together in our shared battle against COVID-19. https://t.co/Om74VC0Fyx — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 29, 2021 × The move by the Biden administration came days after Sullivan, in a call with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, announced a series of COVID-19 relief aid to India. On Monday, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US president is believed to have pledged all support that India would need in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden has directed the entire administration to work on a war footing to save lives in India. The Pentagon is deploying its resources as well. USIAD said that it is airlifting vital medical supplies to India to save lives, stop the spread of COVID-19, and meet the urgent health needs of the Indian people. "We're sending critical oxygen and O2 related supplies, N95 masks, & rapid diagnostic testing kits to India w/more on the way soon," it tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

US sending more than $100 million in COVID-19 supplies to India: White House

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday pledged support to India as it battled the latest spike in the number of Covid infections. Sullivan said that US was "deeply concerned" about the latest Covid outbreak in India&nbsp;and that it was working "round the clock" to help India drag itself out of the situation.</p>

<p>"The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic," tweeted Sullivan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon.</p>
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSullivan46/status/1386154975668080644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes," tweeted Antony Blinken</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes.</p>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1386148447179493380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reuters quoted a White House spokesperson to say that US was planning to quickly deploy additional support to Indian government.</p>

<p>"We are in active conversations at high levels and plan to quickly deploy additional support to the Government of India and Indian health care workers as they battle this latest severe outbreak. We will have more to share very soon," the spokeswoman told Reuters via email.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday pledged support to India as it battled the latest spike in the number of Covid infections.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday pledged support to India as it battled the latest spike in the number of Covid infections. Sullivan said that US was "deeply concerned" about the latest Covid outbreak in India and that it was working "round the clock" to help India drag itself out of the situation. "The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic," tweeted Sullivan. The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon. — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 25, 2021 × "Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes," tweeted Antony Blinken Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 25, 2021 × Reuters quoted a White House spokesperson to say that US was planning to quickly deploy additional support to Indian government. "We are in active conversations at high levels and plan to quickly deploy additional support to the Government of India and Indian health care workers as they battle this latest severe outbreak. We will have more to share very soon," the spokeswoman told Reuters via email. (With inputs from agencies)

US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic

<p>In the first high-level engagements between the Modi government and the Joe Biden administration, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while National Security Adviser Ajit Doval talked to his American counterpart Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, broadly focusing on key regional and global challenges like combating terrorism and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>The defence ministry said Singh received an "introductory telephone call" from the newly-appointed US Secretary of Defence Austin and that the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to strengthen the "multifaceted" defence cooperation and the strategic partnership between the two countries.</p>

<p>Official sources said China figured in the talks in the larger context of geo-political developments, and in relations to the strategic interests of India and the US in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>A read-out by the Pentagon said Secretary Austin emphasised the US Defence Department's commitment to the US-India major defence partnership, observing that it is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open.</p>

<p>"Secretary Austin noted the great strides made in the US-India defence relationship, and he pledged to work collaboratively with the Defence Minister to sustain progress," it said.</p>

<p>In his talks with Sullivan, Doval underscored that India and US were uniquely positioned to work closely on regional and international issues including combating the scourge of terrorism.</p>

<p>"NSA Doval underscored that as leading democracies, with an abiding faith in an open and inclusive world order, India and the US were uniquely positioned to work closely on regional and international issues including combating the scourge of terrorism, maritime security, cyber security and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.</p>

<p>It said Sullivan stated that the US was looking forward to working together on the bilateral agenda and the common global challenges.</p>

<p>"The two NSAs agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations, which are built on shared values and common strategic and security interests.</p>

<p>They highlighted the need to work collectively to address challenges in the post-Covid era and further expand the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA said.</p>

<p>On talks between Singh and Austin, the sources said the essence of the conversation was that both sides wanted to maintain the upward trajectory of the strategic and defence ties to advance their common agenda of peace, prosperity and growth.</p>

<p>In a tweet, Singh said the firm commitment to deepen India-US defence cooperation was reiterated during the talks.</p>

<p>"Spoke with my US counterpart, Secretary Def Austin and conveyed my warm wishes on his appointment," Singh tweeted.</p>

<p>"We reiterated our firm commitment to deepen India-US defence cooperation.</p>

<p>We exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest to strengthen our strategic partnership," he said.</p>

<p>It is not immediately known whether the eastern Ladakh standoff between India and China was discussed in the talks.</p>

<p>Three days back, Austin spoke to his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi during which China's growing activities in the East China Sea figured prominently.</p>

<p>The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years and in June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner".</p>

<p>The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.</p>

<p>The two sides have also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for sale of high end technology from the US to India.</p>

<p>In October last year, India and the US sealed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) to further boost bilateral defence ties.</p>

<p>The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.</p>


In the first high-level engagements between the Modi government and the Joe Biden administration, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while National Security Adviser Ajit Doval talked to his American counterpart Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, broadly focusing on key regional and global challenges like combating terrorism and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the first high-level engagements between the Modi government and the Joe Biden administration, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while National Security Adviser Ajit Doval talked to his American counterpart Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, broadly focusing on key regional and global challenges like combating terrorism and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The defence ministry said Singh received an "introductory telephone call" from the newly-appointed US Secretary of Defence Austin and that the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to strengthen the "multifaceted" defence cooperation and the strategic partnership between the two countries. Official sources said China figured in the talks in the larger context of geo-political developments, and in relations to the strategic interests of India and the US in the Indo-Pacific region. A read-out by the Pentagon said Secretary Austin emphasised the US Defence Department's commitment to the US-India major defence partnership, observing that it is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open. "Secretary Austin noted the great strides made in the US-India defence relationship, and he pledged to work collaboratively with the Defence Minister to sustain progress," it said. In his talks with Sullivan, Doval underscored that India and US were uniquely positioned to work closely on regional and international issues including combating the scourge of terrorism. "NSA Doval underscored that as leading democracies, with an abiding faith in an open and inclusive world order, India and the US were uniquely positioned to work closely on regional and international issues including combating the scourge of terrorism, maritime security, cyber security and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. It said Sullivan stated that the US was looking forward to working together on the bilateral agenda and the common global challenges. "The two NSAs agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations, which are built on shared values and common strategic and security interests. They highlighted the need to work collectively to address challenges in the post-Covid era and further expand the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA said. On talks between Singh and Austin, the sources said the essence of the conversation was that both sides wanted to maintain the upward trajectory of the strategic and defence ties to advance their common agenda of peace, prosperity and growth. In a tweet, Singh said the firm commitment to deepen India-US defence cooperation was reiterated during the talks. "Spoke with my US counterpart, Secretary Def Austin and conveyed my warm wishes on his appointment," Singh tweeted. "We reiterated our firm commitment to deepen India-US defence cooperation. We exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest to strengthen our strategic partnership," he said. It is not immediately known whether the eastern Ladakh standoff between India and China was discussed in the talks. Three days back, Austin spoke to his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi during which China's growing activities in the East China Sea figured prominently. The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years and in June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner". The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation. The two sides have also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for sale of high end technology from the US to India. In October last year, India and the US sealed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

Indo-US ties: NSA Ajit Doval talks to US counterpart Jake Sullivan

In the final days of the presidency, the Trump administration has designated Yemen's Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization. This move has faced widespread backlash, with international bodies saying that it could lead to a famine in Yemen. On the West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis tells you what this move means for the war-torn nation. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | US puts Houthis on terror list| What does this mean for Yemen

Joe Biden's nominee for National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has slammed Donald Trump for designating Yemen Houthi rebels as terrorists.

Jake Sullivan slams Trump's move on Yemen Houthi rebels

From Antony Blinken to John Kerry - many of Biden's future cabinet members have a long history of working with India, and an understanding of Indian affairs. WION's Molly Gambhir brings you the details and also tells you how Biden's transition is finally begun.

Gravitas: Joe Biden's transition begins, finally

United States President-elect Joe Biden has announced his cabinet posts. Several members of Barack Obama administration have made a comeback as Biden shows his inner circle to lead his new team.

Biden Cabinet: Antony Blinken to become Secretary of State

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