India's Defence Minister calls meeting with US Defence Secretary a new phase in strategic affairs between both countries

The ministers, while leading the delegation level talks on Tuesday, hailed each others initiatives.

"Defence cooperation has gone up significantly between India and US. Need to expand progress already made between two countries," said Nirmala Sitharaman.

James Mattis too reiterated the sentiment. He said, "US, India defence cooperation has expanded in recent years.Two countries recognise global threat of terrorism."

The India-US bilateral meet is being held at a time when tension between US and North Korea are on the rise.

The US has negated North Korea's claims that the US is trying to wage a war against it.

At the meeting with the Indian Defence Minister, James Mattis said that the US appreciates India's leadership in Indian Ocean and efforts to put pressure on North Korea, media reported.

Both leaders discussed issues such as Afghanistan and Maritime security in Indian Ocean, according to media reprots.

"It's a new phase in Indo-US strategic affairs," said Sitharaman.

Earlier in the day, James Mattis paid homage at the India Gate.