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US navy seeks berths at Indian ports
 US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michel Mullen (left) shakes hands with Indian Naval Chief Sureesh Mehta as he arrives to inspect a guard of honour in New Delhi on WednesdayThe US navy today expressed concern over the growing clout of the Chinese navy, and once again sought berthing and access facilities at Indian ports. A top American naval commander while expressing happiness over India's "very supportive" response to his concept of a "thousand ship navy" collaboration between seafaring nations said while "a rising and peaceful China is a good thing", there was "lack of transparency over its strategic intent. Addressing the media here, Admiral Michael G. Mullen, US Chief of Naval Operations said, "China is shifting its focus from the ground to the navy and the air force. Clearly, we would like to better understand this. Where China is headed strategically is not clear (because) getting into a conflict situation is bad for all of us. At this point of time, there is some potential for conflict," Admiral Mullen added. Admiral Mullen said the issue of berthing and access at Indian ports had figured in his discussions with the Indian Navy chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta. The US had first made the proposal some three years ago and New Delhi is yet to officially respond to this. At present, US navy vessels are granted berthing and access facilities as the need arises. Posted by: John Frum 2007-04-20 |
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