India, US Maritime Security Dialogue To Be Held Later This Year

The US Secretary of Defence, Ashton Carter and Indian Defense minister Manohar Parrikar have agreed to hold discussion on Maritime Security Dialogue later this year.

Both leaders, after a meeting in the US capital, have agreed to facilitate greater as well as regular interactions to deepen mutual understanding between military services and promote practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, special operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Discussing cooperation on capabilities to augment India’s capacity for maritime domain awareness (MDA), Carter and Parrikar jointly announced their agreement to take forward consultations in this area, including through the next Maritime Security Dialogue, which will be held later this year.

Countering terrorism is an important objective shared by India and the United States, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a statement Tuesday. He appreciated the US support in India’s efforts to eliminate extremism in its neighboring.

 “We resolved to continue our cooperation on counter-terrorism. Our open and diverse societies are committed to peace. However, as the United States has shown, there can be no compromise when we are faced with terrorism,” Parrikar said at a joint news conference with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter on Monday.

Apart from Indian civilians, the country’s military also has become a victim of terrorism, Carter said, referring to the terrorist attack on Pathankot military base, carried out by Pakistani intruders.

“Terrorism is one of the many missions on which we cooperate…We oppose terrorism affecting anyone and us.” He added.

“We and India share the principled view that in matters of freedom of the seas and freedom of the commons and freedom of navigation, as in so many other matters. Nations need to take a principled view where abiding by the rule of law and pursuing disputes peacefully is fundamental. We are able to operate together,” Carter said.

During the meeting Carter and Parrikar praised the discussions at the inaugural Maritime Security Dialogue held in May. They also welcomed the conclusion of the bilateral ‘White Shipping’ technical arrangement for data sharing on commercial shipping traffic.

They noted recent high-level official exchanges, including the visit of Gen John Nicholson to New Delhi for consultations on Afghanistan, as well as by the secretary of the US Navy and the secretary of the US Air Force earlier this month.