Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Front L) welcomes U.S. Defense Secretary Jame Mattis (Front R) outside Indian Defence Ministry upon his arrival in New Delhi, capital of India, on September 26, 2017. Mattis arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit to India, officials said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Partha Sarkar)
NEW DELHI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit to India, officials said Tuesday.
Mattis was received by Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
"U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis began his two-day visit from today," an official said. "Mattis is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the day."
According to officials, Sitharaman and Mattis will hold discussions to boost bilateral ties.
Mattis will also meet Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit, the officials said.
Reports said Mattis's visit is the first cabinet-level visit to India under the Donald Trump administration.
