British Defence Secy in India on four-day visit

British Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon arrived today on a four-day visit, aimed at enhancing security ties and deepening cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Sir Michael and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will jointly co-chair the first India-UK Strategic Dialogue which is expected to deliberate extensively on ways to ramp up bilateral defence engagement besides reviewing the regional security scenario.
Both the countries had agreed to have a separate forum for strategic dialogue to intensify defence and security partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit to London in November 2015.
Sir Michael, accompanied by a 12-member delegation, arrived in Mumbai visited the Western Naval Command where he held talks with Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Girish Luthra.

"The visit will further cement the defence and international security partnership which aims to strengthen collaboration and cooperation between India and the UK, including by enhancing mutual capabilities and effectiveness through joint training and doctrine development," the British High Commission said in a statement.
He is the third British Cabinet Minister to visit India this month.
The statement said the India-UK Strategic Dialogue will look at ways of enforcing cooperation on science and technology, research and development, and countering violent extremism.