US Navy Chief Admiral John Richardson Arrives In India To Boost Indo-US Defence Cooperation

Admiral John Michael Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy, arrives in India on a three- day official tour. After being accorded Major Defence Partner status by USA in 2016, India – US ties have grown significantly in recent years. The inaugural Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in September 2018 opened new avenues for defence cooperation between the two countries. And, last year, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate the interoperability between the armed forces of two countries.

Admiral John Michael Richardson's visit adds to the significance of Indo-US bilateral defence ties. Indian naval ships joined hands with the navies of the US, the Philippines and Japan a “Group Sail" through the disputed South China Sea. United States Navy, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Philippines Navy, and the Indian Navy sailed together for the first time in the South China Sea.

Admiral John M Richardson had discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff today. He also interacted with Defence Secretary, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman COSC and the National Security Council Secretariat.

Indian Navy and US Navy interact regularly at bilateral and multilateral forums and participate in maritime exercises such as MALABAR and RIMPAC. Last year, the U.S. Navy conducted MALABAR exerciser with the naval forces from India and Japan in Guam in the Philippine Sea.

Exercise involved the highest grade of tactical surface and anti-submarine warfare operations with combined carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations.

India-US defence cooperation is all time high, touching about $20 billion arms deal. India has signed a $2.1-billion purchase of MH-60R multi-role sea-based helicopters which will add the firepower of Indian navy. India has also received the first Apache attack helicopter this month under the deal that took place with Boeing in 2015 for the purchase of 22 AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian. 

According to the navy spokesperson, Capt. D. K Sharma, Regular Subject Matter Expert exchange regularly takes place between the navies to institutionalise interoperability in various fields. 

In recent years, China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea has been a matter of concern. China has begun to claim the absolute maritime right over the  vast South China Sea which is contrary to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation.

Major issues discussed during the visit included operations and exercises, training interactions, information exchange, capacity building and capability enhancement.