New Delhi (IANS): US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and conveyed that India was an important strategic partner for the US and his country’s policy of “re-balance” in Asia complimented New Delhi’s Act East policy.

According to a statement from the PMO, the two sides exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, and the recent developments in the Indian Ocean and the Asia Pacific region.

The prime minister said the two summit meetings between him and US President Barack Obama over the past year had provided new energy and momentum to the bilateral relations.

Modi expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the decisions taken during these summit meetings.

He hoped that US companies, including those in defence manufacturing, will actively participate in the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and will set up manufacturing units in India with transfer of technology and link to the global supply chain.

Carter said the US authorities were committed to the expeditious implementation of the decisions reached between the leaders of the two countries.

He said the US was encouraging American companies to set up manufacturing units in India with transfer of technology.

“Carter conveyed that India was an important strategic partner for the US. The US policy of rebalance in Asia Pacific complimented India’s Act East policy,” the statement said.

Carter also met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.