The two leaders also discussed defence cooperation

US Secretary of Defence Lloyed Austin on Monday made a telephonic call to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed bilateral and regional matters including developments in Afghanistan.

The two leaders also exchanged views about combating terrorism in the region and appreciated the mutual cooperation in the recent evacuation operations in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in regular contact in view of the evolving situation, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Last week, India said it continues to be engaged with the US and other partners regarding developments in Afghanistan.

This year in November, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs S Jaishankar will visit Washington DC for the fourth two plus two ministerial dialogue with Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This will be the first India-US two plus two ministerial meeting under the Joe Biden administration.

Earlier in March Secretary Austin had visited India and held bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and had held comprehensive talks on defence cooperation, including expanding military-to-military engagement across services, information sharing, cooperation in emerging sectors of defence and mutual logistics support between the two countries.