Terrorism, piracy top agenda of British navy chief’s visit
January 29th, 2011 - 8:24 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Security and terrorism in south Asia and piracy in the Indian Ocean are likely to dominate discussions between India’s security brass and Britain’s navy chief Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope during his five-day visit beginning Sunday. Admiral Stanhope, Britain’s First Sea Lord, will meet Defence Minister A.K. Antony and the three services chiefs and discuss aspects of India-Britain defence relations and Britain’s security policy, including maritime cooperation.
He will also deliver a lecture on “Indian Ocean and Maritime Security” at the National Maritime Foundation, a think-tank under the auspices of the Indian Navy.
The Royal Navy chief’s visit is the first top-level defence visit from Britain this year.
It comes six months after British Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit in July last year when the two sides expressed their desire to expand the defence and security relationship.
Royal Air Force chief Sir Stephen Dalton visited India in November last year.
After his stay in the capital, Admiral Stanhope will travel to Mumbai, where he will visit defence shipyard, Mazagon Docks, and hold discussions with the Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin.
The Indian Navy is part of a multi-national anti-piracy effort in Gulf of Aden off Somalia since October 2008 in which the Royal Navy too is a partner.
The two navies also hold a series of maritime exercises called Konkan, which began in 2004. The 2010 edition of Konkan was held in July off Mumbai coast when Indian and British submarines carried out underwater warfare manoeuvres.
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Tags: air force chief, british navy, british prime minister, british submarines, david cameron, defence relations, gulf of aden, india britain, indian navy, konkan, naval commander, navy chief, royal navy, sea lord, security relationship, sir mark, sir stephen, stephen dalton, underwater warfare, vice admiral