NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — Washington and New Delhi agreed to strengthen cooperation in the sphere of maritime security in both Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions during the meeting of Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, a joint statement published following the talks said Tuesday.
"In support of the India-U.S. Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and the maritime security objectives therein, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of maritime security," the statement published on the website of the US Department of Defense said.
According to the statement, Carter and Parrikar agreed to commence navy-to-navy discussions on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare, as well as to launch a bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue.
Carter is currently in India on a three-day visit between April 10 and 12. During his visit, Carter holds meetings with India's high-ranking officials to discuss defense and technology projects, among other areas of mutual interest.
