New Delhi, Aug 9 (ANI): Stressing on the importance of the Indo-US relationship, United States Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel on Saturday said that a stronger partnership between both the countries is critical for sustained peace and prosperity around the globe. Earlier, Hagel met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to hold discussions to strengthen military ties between the United States and India. Hagel's visit follows U.S Secretary of State John Kerry and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker's recent three day bilateral visit to India.