James Mattis

Protests in the US highlight majoritarian weakness

Meanwhile, Former President Barack Obama in a virtual forum advised communities across the US to try to internally change the use of force policies

Mattis' resignation letter underlines serious disagreements with Trump

The US would cooperate with China where it can and confront where it must like the freedom of navigation in international waters, he said at the US Institute of Peace (USIP)

Mattis was one of Trump's first cabinet picks after the 2016 election

This would be the first meeting between the two leaders after Mattis' successful trip to India last month

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has said that India's decision not to send its troops to Afghanistan was in view of Pakistan's considerations as this would bring in new complexities in the region. Mattis praised India's contributions to the war-torn country before lawmakers at House Armed Services Committee, saying New Delhi has adopted a holistic approach in its assistance towards Afghanistan. "It is really a very holistic approach that India is taking. You'll notice I left off (Indian) boots (soldiers) on the ground because of the complexity that would bring to Pakistan," Mattis said in response to a question from Congressman Doug Lamborn during the Congressional hearing on South Asia. "We're trying to make this an inclusive strategy and we don't want them to get a sense that they're vulnerable to any Indian Army people from their western flank, that's not necessary," Mattis said. The defence secretary insisted that an open border trade between India and Pakistan .

Mattis had said that India is of utmost importance for the US