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US seeks liberal access for Indian warships
The United States has sought more "liberal access" for its warships to Indian Naval bases and facilities.The proposal figured prominently in talks between the visiting US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael G Mullen and top Indian Naval brass. "We have mooted for more free aces for our warships and warplanes" Mullen told newsmen after his meeting with his Indian counterpart Admiral Suressh Mehta. At present, US warships are cleared for entry into Indian ports on case by case basis. "The proposal which would be on reciprocal basis is still under dialogue", he said. Mullen said US was desirous of expanding cooperation with Indian Navy on equipment supply also along with holding of joint exercises and exchange of personnel. "We are interested in selling our Naval fighters, equipment, radars and other systems to India", he said adding that he visualised in near future the two countries also collaborating on building of future aircraft carriers for the Indian Navy. He said that the two navies had graduated to put in place cross postings of personnel besides sending officers to each others staff colleges. "We have already started training Indian Naval fighter pilots and a batch of 32 pilots is about to finish their course at US war training colleges. Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-04-20 |
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