India, United States Sign 10-Year Defense Cooperation Agreement

India and the United States signed on Wednesday a ten-year Defense Framework Agreement, which includes cooperation on maritime security.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — The agreement was signed during a meeting between Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter in the Indian capital, New Delhi.

The two countries decided to renew their defense cooperation agreement during US President Barack Obama's visit to New Delhi in January.

Indian Defense Ministry sources told Sputnik that Parrikar and Carter discussed a range of issues during bilateral and delegation level meetings, including maritime security in the Indian Ocean and issues in the South China Sea.

The sources said that India and the United States agreed to jointly develop protective gear to be worn by military personnel to protect against biological and chemical attacks.

Following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Carter told reporters that the two nations are exploring means of cooperation on jet engine and aircraft carrier technology.

Earlier in the day, the US defense secretary was given a Guard of Honor, following a wreath laying ceremony at a war memorial.

Carter is vising India as Defense Secretary for the first time. He previously visited the country in July 2012 and September 2013 as Deputy Defense Secretary.