Washington, Nov 20 (NationPress) Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi made a significant visit to the National Defence University (NDU) at Fort Lesley J McNair, where he engaged in discussions with NDU President Vice Admiral Peter A Garvin regarding the enhancement of defence relations between India and the United States.

During his trip, Admiral Tripathi also interacted with Indian officers pursuing educational programs at the Eisenhower School, National War College (NWC), and College of Information and Cyberspace (CICA).

"While in the US, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi visited the National Defense University at Fort Lesley J McNair and spoke with President NDU, VAdm Peter A Garvin. Their dialogue centered on enhancing professional military education, fostering connections with higher learning institutions from both defence forces, and issues concerning shared maritime interests to fortify India–US defence relations," the Indian Navy stated on X.

Additionally, Admiral Tripathi met with US Navy Secretary John C Phelan and US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby. He also held discussions with Vice Admiral Yvette Devids, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans and Strategy, Steve Parode, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, and Rear Admiral Raymond P Owens, Director of the Navy International Programs Office.

In these meetings, both parties deliberated on boosting maritime cooperation, enhancing collaboration in the defence industry, comprehending emerging challenges, sharing information, and increasing maritime domain awareness, intelligence, and joint innovation opportunities, technology transfer, training, and interoperability between the Indian and US navies.

"During his ongoing visit to the USA, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi engaged with Mr. John C Phelan, Secretary of the Navy, and Honorable Mr. Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy. He also conversed with VAdm Yvette Devids, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Plans and Strategy, Mr. Steve Parode, Deputy Director Naval Intelligence, and RAdm Raymond P Owens, Director Navy International Programs Office," the Indian Navy spokesperson noted on X.

"Discussions aimed at strengthening Maritime Cooperation, enhancing defence industry collaboration, comprehending emerging challenges, sharing information, Maritime Domain Awareness, intelligence, and opportunities towards expanding avenues for joint innovation, technology transfer, training, and interoperability between the Indian and US Navy were advanced. Besides, regional security dynamics, the evolving Indo-Pacific Region architecture, and strengthening strategic convergence between India and the US to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific were also discussed. These engagements reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepen the India–US maritime partnership, enhancing mutual understanding and maintaining a secure, stable, and rules-based Indo-Pacific," it elaborated.

Earlier on Sunday, Admiral Tripathi toured the USS Daniel Inouye, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, where he received insights about the destroyer's modifications, multi-mission abilities, and advanced maritime surveillance systems.

He also visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, receiving briefings on operational capabilities and ongoing programs of the US Pacific Fleet and units stationed at the joint facility.

The Indian Navy's statement emphasized that Admiral Tripathi's visit highlights the importance of enhancing interoperability and operational synergy among the maritime forces of both nations.

The Chief of the Indian Navy is currently in the US on an official visit aimed at reinforcing the robust and lasting maritime partnership between the navies of India and the US, a vital aspect of the Defence Partnership between the two nations.