Looking Forward To More Bilateral Talks With India On India-Pacific Issues: US Under Secretary Jenkins

Jenkins also spoke on conversations with India on the proliferation of various arms in the Indo-Pacific and possible joint efforts towards non-proliferation and arms control.

Bonnie Denise Jenkins, United States Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security ( Image Source :Getty )

New Delhi: Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, United States Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, on Monday spoke about the importance of AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

She said that the trilateral agreement ensures safety, and security in the Indo-Pacific and that countries are empowered to make their own sovereign decisions free from coercion, reported news agency ANI.

Secretary Jenkins also spoke on conversations with India on the proliferation of various arms in the Indo-Pacific and possible joint efforts towards non-proliferation and arms control.

She stated, "India has been engaged with us on many issues from many years. We haven’t been able to have extensive discussions right now on particular issues on arms control but I can say that we have traditionally had discussions with them. We are looking forward to having more regular conversations with India on these issues."

On conversations with India on the proliferation of various arms in the Indo-Pacific and possible joint efforts towards non-proliferation and arms control, US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins says, "India has been… pic.twitter.com/xr4mJZBNIB

— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

"When I have my bilateral with colleagues from India, I have an opportunity to have some discussions on arms control. So, there are forums where India plays a role and we have opportunities at multilateral forums. We are looking to have more bilateral conversations outside those as well. We talk about these issues with India on a regular basis. We look forward to have more in-depth conversation bilaterally in the future," she added.

Secretary Jenkins provided an update on AUKUS, emphasizing its contributions to regional security, opportunities for technological innovation, and commitments to nuclear non-proliferation. She highlighted that AUKUS does not infringe upon the non-proliferation treaty and reiterated the commitment of the three countries to uphold the integrity of the non-proliferation regime.

"We see this (AUKUS) in a way in which we help ensure safety, security and peace in the indo- pacific. All three countries are committed to make sure that this happens. AUKUS does not violate the non- proliferation treaty. Australia will remain a non- nuclear state that does not acquire a nuclear weapon, not developing any nuclear weapon. We are daily or weekly in fact, are in contact with IAEA", said Under Secretary Jenkins while addressing a digital press briefing from Canberra, Australia, reported ANI.