India, US hold first Maritime Security Dialogue

India and United States (US) held their first Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi for deepening the evolving partnership in the maritime domain between both countries.
The first round of discussions under the recently-constituted dialogue was held between officials of India’s Defence and External Affairs Ministries and their US counterparts.
Key facts about first Dialogue

• Both sides discussed various issues including naval cooperation, Asia-Pacific maritime challenges and multilateral engagement.
• They agreed to include the conclusion of a white shipping technical arrangement to improve data sharing on commercial shipping traffic.
• Both sides also undertook Navy-to-Navy discussion on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare was also undertaken.

Background
The Maritime Security Dialogue was one of the several new initiatives agreed between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter during the latter’s visit to India in April 2016.
It was agreed as part of the maritime security objectives under the India-US Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2016