Talks on defence technology transfer during Carter visit, says Parrikar

Extensive discussions on various key bilateral issues like Defence Technology and Trade Initiative will feature in discussions with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter next week, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a state government function here, he also said that India wants to establish the best defence co-operation with the US.

"On 12th (of April) there will be official level discussion at Delhi. Prior to his (Carter's) visit, US under secretary (administration) has also been to India last week and we had extensive discussions on various bilateral issues like Defence Technology and Trade Initiative and many others," Parrikar said.

"I am only telling you this much that many issues of importance will be finalised in the final bilateral talks in Delhi," he said, adding India wants to establish the best of defence co-operation with US," the biggest democracies on the two ends of the globe".

Carter is expected to land in Goa on Sunday afternoon and on Monday, likely to visit Project Seabird, a naval base in Karwar in north Karnataka, as well as spend sometime onboard the INS Vikramaditya.

Giving the itinerary of the US official, Parrikar said: "The US defence secretary with his delegation is coming to Goa tomorrow (Sunday). He will be my guest... Tomorrow he will be visiting two important ancient places, one is Mangueshi temple and the other one is Old Goa," Parrikar said.

The Mangueshi temple is a centuries-old shrine located in Ponda sub district which houses an avatar of Shiva which is the family deity to several influential Gaud Saraswat Brahmin families in Goa, while the Old Goa church complex houses churches build by the colonial Portuguese regime, some of which are over 400 years old.