US, Indian officials discuss maritime security

US and Indian officials on Monday discussed the maritime challenges and naval cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, the US Embassy said.

"The dialogue agreed upon during Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's recent visit to India is a further sign of the growing bilateral relations," said US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, who also participated in the meeting.

An embassy statement issued here said that naval cooperation between the two countries and multilateral engagement with other stakeholders in the Indian Ocean region topped the agenda for discussion.

Those who participated in the discussion with Indian officials from the ministries of external affairs and defence included Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David Shear, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Manpreet Anand and US Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Joseph P. Aucoin.

--IANS

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