India on Thursday was accorded a “major defence partner” of the United States after a meeting between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter, ANI reported. A joint statement released after talks said the designation was unique to Delhi.

The statement further said the senior leaders exchanged views on regional security issues, including the threat posed by terrorism. The two countries had also emphasised on the need to ensure that no state provided patronage or support to terrorist groups.

This was the seventh meeting between Carter and Parrikar, according to PTI. “Today our defence relationship takes a major step,” Carter said. Parrikar also noted Washington’s commitment to the relationship between the two countries, and said defence cooperation was a “major driver” of the bilateral relationship between the nations. Carter also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.