BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member, praised the Trump Administration’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper for recently holding meetings with leaders in India aimed at strengthening and solidifying strategic ties between the two countries.
“Bolstering the bond between the United States and India makes both of our countries safer and sends a clear message to adversaries like China and Russia. I am encouraged by the progress President Trump’s foreign policy team is making to strengthen this strategic partnership,” said Senator Cramer. “A stronger relationship with India also opens the door for further economic opportunities.”
Secretaries Pompeo and Esper recently concluded a series of meetings with high-ranking officials in India including Prime Minister Modi, whom Senator Cramer met with last year to discuss strengthening ties between these two countries and the issues that impact North Dakota, like agriculture, energy, and immigration.
“Your personal commitment towards strong India-USA ties is deeply admirable,” Prime Minister Modi said of Senator Cramer.
In a joint statement released this week, the United States and India highlighted the elevation of this relationship under President Trump and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-India partnership, anchored in mutual trust, shared commitment to democracy, and strategic interests. They also welcomed the inclusion of the Australian Navy in the MALABAR Naval Exercise, which Senator Cramer recently applauded as well.