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Visit of India's Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash to the United States

Washington, DC
March 23, 2005

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At the invitation of Admiral Vernon Clark Chief of Naval Operations US Navy, Admiral Arun Prakash Chief of Naval Staff Indian Navy and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee is on an official visit to the United States from March 19 to 28, 2005.

The last visit by an Indian Chief of Naval Staff to the US was in September, 2002. Admiral Vernon Clark, CNO, US Navy had visited India in October, 2003.

During his stay in Washington DC on March 21 and 22, 2005, Admiral Arun Prakash met with Deputy Secretary of Defense Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Mr. Douglas Feith, the Secretary of the Navy Mr. Gordon England, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Vernon Clark and Commandant Marine Corps General Michael Hagee. Admiral Arun Prakash inspected a ceremonial Guard of Honour and also placed a wreath at the “Tomb of the Unknowns” at Arlington National Cemetery.

Discussions during the meetings focused on ways to further India-US naval cooperation including joint exercises and acquisition of US equipment and systems for the Indian Navy. Both sides reiterated their determination to strengthen all aspects of defense cooperation in the context of the transformed India-US relationship.  The US side welcomed the excellent cooperation between the two countries in organizing relief operations during the recent tsunami disaster and expressed admiration for the speed and scale on which India deployed its naval and air assets in this effort. The two sides reaffirmed that the bilateral relationship has been on a steadily ascendant trajectory in recent years and has gained greater strategic content.

During the current visit, Admiral Arun Prakash will visit US Navy bases and facilities at Norfolk, Newport, Colorado Springs, Seattle and Hawaii. At Newport, the Chief of Naval Staff will address students and faculty of the Naval War College on current maritime issues including the security environment in the Indian Ocean region and the role played by the Indian Navy.