US defence officials stress strategic partnership to help India Fri, May 7 2021 8:27 IST | 1 Views US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin (Photo:twitter). Image Source: IANS News New York, May 7 : US defence officials have emphasised the strategic partnership with India in helping it in the time of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. "The US Defence Department will continue to stand by India in its moment of need and support US assistance efforts in the days and weeks ahead," Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Colin Kahl told India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar on Thursday, according to Pentagon's Deputy Spokesperson Jamal Brown. Kahl and Kumar during their phone conversation "highlighted the enduring strength of the US-India strategic partnership, noting that the bonds between the two nations have only deepened in times of crisis".