November 20, 2022
2 mins read

US Navy Secretary to board INS Vikrant during Kochi visit

On Friday, Carlos Del Toro paid homage to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News

Spotlighting that the US-India defence partnership remains a pillar of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the US Secretary of Navy, Carlos Del Toro held talks with Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi boosting strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Carlos is on a five-day official visit to India from November 17-21 and is holding interactions with high ranking Indian government officials and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar.

On Friday, he paid homage to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

“I am eternally grateful for those who have given their lives for democracy across the world,” the US Secretary of Navy tweeted after the visit.

He is also scheduled to visit Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command at Kochi, wherein he would interact with the Commander-in-Chief SNC and visit India’s first indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant at the Cochin Shipyard.

India and US have traditionally maintained close and friendly relations. The defence relationship between the two countries has been one of mutual trust and confidence, which has transformed after the accord of major ‘Defence Partner Status’ to India in June 2016.

In addition, both countries have concluded certain foundational agreements, including the Defence Framework Agreement, signed in 2015, which lays a blue print for collaboration between the defence establishments of both countries.

The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed in 2016 is a foundational agreement facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the Armed Forces of both countries while the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) signed in September 2018 facilitates information-sharing between the Armed Forces of both nations.

More recently, both countries signed the Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which enables sharing of geo-spatial information between Ministry of Defence and National Geospatial Agency (NGA), USA.

The Indian Navy closely cooperates with the US Navy on numerous issues, which include operational interactions such as the MALABAR – the last edition of which was held from November 9–15 off Yokosuka, Japan. RIMPAC 22 series of exercises, training exchanges, exchange of White Shipping Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields, are also coordinated through the medium of Executive Steering Group (ESG) meetings conducted annually.

In addition, warships from both the Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports. Both Navies have also been cooperating towards exploring new avenues for collaboration with a shared aim of a ‘Free, Open and inclusive Indo-Pacific’.

ALSO READ: UAE-Finland hold talks to strengthen economic ties

Previous Story

‘Govt to be held accountable for breach under Data Protection Bill’

Next Story

Winter Session of Parliament from Dec 7 to 29

Latest from -Top News

Rajasthan Returns to Dubai

This year, the Rajasthan Tourism Board set up their stand at ATM Dubai stage 2025—its first appearance in 15+ years. Under the stewardship of Additional Director Mr. Anand Tripathi, Department of Tourism,

Beijing’s Shadow Over Kashmir Terror

The Pahalgam massacre is not just an act of terror; it is a strategic message. It exposes how Pakistan, increasingly beholden to China, is being used as a tool to undermine India’s

India Calls Out Pakistan’s Double Game

Indian High Commissioner to the UK warned that the current hostilities could cease entirely if Pakistan simply refrains from targeting Indian military installations…reports Asian Lite News Indian High Commissioner to the UK,

Gates to Give 99% Away 

Spread out over time, this will enable the foundation to invest an additional $200 billion (£150.8 billion) in its core focus areas, primarily global health and U.S. education, over the next two
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Netanyahu Seeks US Tools to End Hostage Situation

Many Democrats skipped the meeting in protest and thousands of

‘US activist helped India get jabs’

President Biden listened carefully and responded most expressively to all