During an official visit to India, Dr Ashton Carter, the United States Secretary of Defence, met Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar and called on Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi. He also met the External Affairs Minister Mrs Sushma Swaraj and the National Security Adviser Mr Ajit Doval.
Defence Minister and Secretary Carter discussed the India-US defence relationship, and the broader India-US Strategic Partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to expand and deepen the bilateral defence relationship. The two also reviewed the existing and emerging regional security dynamics.
Defence Minister and Secretary Carter signed the 2015 Framework for the India-US Defence Relationship, which builds upon the previous framework and successes to guide the bilateral defence and strategic partnership for the next ten years. The new Framework agreement provides avenues for high level strategic discussions, continued exchanges between armed forces of both countries, and strengthening of defence capabilities.
The Framework also recognises the transformative nature of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). Both India and the United States have finalised two project agreements for joint development of Mobile Electric Hybrid Power Sources and the Next Generation Protective Ensembles.
In addition, building on the areas of agreement during President Obama's visit to India in January 2015, Defence Minister and Secretary Carter agreed to expedite discussions to take forward cooperation on jet engines, aircraft carrier design and construction, and other areas. Both also agreed to pursue co-development and co-production projects that will offer tangible opportunities for American defence industries to build defence partnership with the Indian industries including in manufacturing under 'Make in India'.
Defence Minister and US Secretary of Defence Carter agreed to continue their efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as maritime security and knowledge partnership in the field of Defence.
US Secretary Carter thanked Defence Minister for the help extended in the search for the US helicopter which went missing during the relief operations in Nepal.
US Secretary Carter invited Defence Minister to visit US for next meeting. Defence Minister accepted the invitation in principle.
Before arriving in Delhi, US Secretary Dr Ashton Carter also visited the Eastern Naval Command accompanied by Mrs Stephanie Carter and a thirteen members US delegation, on June 2, 2015. During the visit, the US Secretary of Defence interacted with Vice Admiral BK Verma, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command and held discussions on issues of common interest. On completion, crest and gifts were exchanged with the visiting dignitary. Later, the Secretary accompanied by the US delegation visited the indigenous stealth frigate, INS Sahyadri, prior to their departure to New Delhi.
During the visit, Mrs Stephanie Carter also interacted with the members of Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) and was apprised of various welfare activities undertaken by NWWA for the Naval Community.
- N Ao and Cdr CG Raju
SOURCE - sainiksamachar
No comments:
Post a Comment