US Navy Secretary in India, focus on maritime security

New Delhi, Mar 28 : Secretary of the US Navy, Donald Winter, is likely to meet top Indian defence officials to discuss maritime security.

Winter was formally received by Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, Admiral Sureesh Mehta at the forecourt of the Defence Ministry here today.

Winter, who is on a three-day visit to India, was accorded the ceremonial guard of honour.

Later in the day, Winter is scheduled to meet key defence officials.

The American Navy Secretary's visit to New Delhi comes a month after US Defence Secretary Robert Gates toured India.

On Thursday, Winter visited the Western Naval Command and the Mazgaon ship building yard in Mumbai.

India and the US have been of late collaborating in high-tech areas including defence. India is seeking to modernise its naval forces making it a blue water navy and also upgrade its air power.

In 2006, India and US pledged to work out a framework for cooperation in maritime security.

The two nations had agreed to address the logistics involved to prevent piracy and other transnational crimes at sea.

Fighting marine pollution and responding to natural disasters are also on top agenda of the two nations.

ANI