Panetta in India

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta arrived in India today and had "productive meetings" with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Indian National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement.

"In both meetings, Secretary Panetta discussed the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region and the importance the United States places on India, the only country specifically mentioned as a key partner in the Department's Strategic Guidance issued earlier this year," Little said. Panetta, he added, "underscored the link India plays between East and West Asia and how the United States views India as a net provider of security from the Indian Ocean to Afghanistan and beyond."

The leaders also discussed the bilateral defense relationship, shared interests and common security challenges. "Panetta was very encouraged by the Indian government's expression of support to resume remains recovery of U.S. personnel lost over India during World War II," Little said.