Carter in India

Defense Secretary Ash Carter, on what is most likely his final trip to Asia, was in India today where he met with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar.

During their meeting, the two senior defense officials "finalized India's designation as a 'Major Defense Partner' of the United States," according to a joint statement issued this morning, which adds:

The designation as a "Major Defense Partner" is a status unique to India and institutionalizes the progress made to facilitate defense trade and technology sharing with India to a level at par with that of the United States' closest allies and partners, and ensures enduring cooperation into the future.

Earlier this week, Carter was in Japan, where he met with that country's prime minister, Shinzo Abe.