In a significant move to bolster regional maritime security, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper of the US Navy engaged in discussions with Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. The meeting, held recently, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two navies.
A press release issued on Wednesday stated that an eleven-member United States delegation, led by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander United States Naval Forces Central Command, Cdr Fifth Fleet, and Cdr Combined Maritime Forces, arrived in Mumbai from May 29 to 31. The delegation was accompanied by Scott Ticknor, Acting Consul General/Dy Principal Officer, Consulate of the US at Mumbai, and Capt David Wilcox, Resident Naval Attaché at the US Embassy in New Delhi.
During his visit, Vice Admiral Cooper paid a courtesy call on Vice Admiral Tripathi on May 30. The visiting delegation was given a comprehensive presentation highlighting the roles, responsibilities, and activities of the Western Naval Command.
“The focused discussions explored ways and means to strengthen cooperation between the two navies to enhance regional maritime security,” the statement read.
As part of their visit, the US delegation had the opportunity to tour INS Chennai, the latest indigenous warship, and the Heritage Museum at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, which showcased India’s rich maritime history.
The delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., where they were briefed on the indigenous shipbuilding capabilities of MDL.
India and the US have been actively involved in the Maritime Security Dialogue, an annual bilateral exercise, for the past two decades. This engagement has contributed to the substantial growth of naval cooperation between the two countries. The relationship encompasses a wide range of activities, including the annual bilateral exercise ‘Malabar,’ participation in the multilateral exercise ‘RIMPAC,’ high-level delegation visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and goodwill visits by naval ships.
Both navies share a commitment to ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific Region. Cooperation in the maritime domain remains one of the key and enduring facets of engagement between India and the US.
