Army, Navy chiefs hold talks with US INDOPACOM commander

Wide ranging issues of mutual interest including joint training and exercises were discussed during the meeting, the IAF tweeted.Officials said the security challenges in Indo-Pacific and implications of the Ukraine crisis for regional security figured in Admiral Aquilinos talks with Gen Naravane and Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari.The US Indo-Pacific Command INDOPACOM is the oldest and largest combatant command of the US that is responsible for American military activities in the Indo-Pacific.Defence Minister Singh had visited the headquarters of the INDOPACOM in Hawai earlier this month.

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Thursday held separate talks with Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino with a focus on the situation in the Indo-Pacific and the conflict in Ukraine.

Admiral Aquilino was in India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, India's premier foreign policy and geo-economics conference.

On Wednesday, he met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.

The Army said Gen Naravane and Admiral Aquilino discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence ties.

''Admiral John C Aquilino, Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command @INDOPACOM called on General MM Naravane #COAS and discussed ways to enhance the existing bilateral defence cooperation,'' it tweeted.

The Indian Air Force said Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari and the visiting American commander deliberated on wide-ranging issues including joint training and exercises. ''Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command called on Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari #CAS today. Wide ranging issues of mutual interest including joint training and exercises were discussed during the meeting,'' the IAF tweeted.

Officials said the security challenges in Indo-Pacific and implications of the Ukraine crisis for regional security figured in Admiral Aquilino's talks with Gen Naravane and Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari.

The US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) is the oldest and largest combatant command of the US that is responsible for American military activities in the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Minister Singh had visited the headquarters of the INDOPACOM in Hawai earlier this month.