New Delhi, April 27: Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino on Wednesday met Indian Navy Chief Adm R Hari Kumar and extensively interacted with him on issues of mutual interests including China’s increasing hegemony in the Indo Pacific and the geostrategic impact of the Russia Ukraine war, sources said. Admiral John Aquilino is in New Delhi for Raisina Dialogue. He was welcomed with an impressive Guard of Honour at South Block lawns. In order to ensure a Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific, both the Admirals discussed avenues for further enhancing the existing cooperation between two Navies through capability enhancement and cooperative engagements, the Indian Navy said. Both the Admirals also exchanged mementos during the meeting. Defence cooperation has been a critical element of Indo-US relations. Admiral John Aquilino also called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Adm Aquilino’s visit follows Rajnath Singh’s, recent visit to the United States, during which he also visited the headquarters of United States Indo-Pacific Command, America’s oldest and largest combatant command. Known earlier as United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) since its inception, the command was renamed to US Indo-Pacific Command on May 30, 2018, in recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific oceans. During the US visit for 2+2 Dialogue, Rajnath Singh sought partnership towards co-development and co-production of military equipment with US companies. (UNI)
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