A bipartisan US Congressional delegation, on a five-day visit to India, has discussed with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar the need for strengthening defence cooperation and advancing defence technology collaboration.The delegation, led by US House Armed Services Committee Chairman Michael Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith, visited New Delhi from January 24 to 28, underscoring sustained US engagement to advance defence cooperation and deepening strategic coordination with India, the US Embassy said on Thursday.The delegation also included Representative Jimmy Patronis and senior staff members of the US Armed Services Committee.The delegation’s meetings focused on expanding defence cooperation, accelerating defence technology collaboration, and identifying opportunities to enhance co-development and co-production between the United States and India in support of shared security objectives.During the visit, the delegation met senior Indian officials, including Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The delegation also held discussions with Indian and American defence industry leaders.Chairman of the US Committee Rogers said, “The United States values India as a Major Defence Partner. Our discussions in New Delhi focused on strengthening defence cooperation and advancing defence technology collaboration that supports India’s defence modernisation and enhances regional stability.”“The relationship between the United States and India is extremely important for both of our countries and the world. Our ability to conduct the kind of candid dialogue we have carried out on this delegation is crucial to strengthening our defence cooperation and regional stability, providing both economic and national security benefits for all involved,” Ranking Member Smith said.US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated, “Chairman Rogers’ visit and meetings with Indian leaders and defence experts advanced practical cooperation on protecting Americans and Indians as well as people throughout the region. These discussions strengthened ongoing defence collaboration, supported India’s defence modernisation goals, and reinforced our shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific.”