US Naval Operations chief on 4-day visit to India to deepen maritime ties

New Delhi: United States’ Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson will be on a four-day visit to India from February 2 to 6 to help deepen maritime partnerships between the two countries.

In his first stop to New Delhi, Richardson will meet with key national security officials from across the Government of India to discuss Navy-to-Navy relations and opportunities for further technical and security cooperation.

He will then travel to Visakhapatnam to participate in the Indian Navy-hosted International Fleet Review, which will have participation from 50 countries with visiting warships, tall-masted ships, and Heads of navies. As such, the International Fleet Review is being promoted as the Indian Navy’s premier international engagement event for 2016.

While in Visakhapatnam, US CNO will meet with Sailors from USS Antietam (CG 54), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, and USS McCampbell (DDG 85), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer.

A central line of effort for Richardson is to “expand and strengthen our network of partners.” The visit to India and interactions with Indian and other Navy leaders helps to deepen relationships and expand shared maritime interests. (ANI)