Readout of Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., Commander, United States Pacific Command Meeting With India Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar at Camp Smith, Hawaii

PACOM Director of Media Operations, U.S. Army Major Dave Eastburn provided the following readout:

In a milestone event today, Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., Commander, United States Pacific Command, met with India Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Camp Smith, Hawaii, in the first-ever visit by an India Defense Minister to the Hawaii-based headquarters.

In the meeting, Adm. Harris and Minister Parrikar discussed the growth of the strategic partnership between the two nations and how routine, regular and predictable engagements strengthen that partnership.  The two also emphasized the importance of expanded maritime security cooperation within the context of broader military-to-military ties, especially in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. 

Admiral Harris encouraged senior Indian military leadership to participate in next year’s Chief of Defense Conference and how the conference is an important venue to build the relationships that will underpin security and stability throughout the region.

The two leaders discussed the continuance of the maritime security cooperation, the potential for joint U.S. – India maritime patrols, and the value of foundational agreements such as a logistics support agreement and a communications and information security memorandum of agreement.  They also discussed Exercises Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, Red Flag, Vajra Prahar, and RIMPAC, reemphasizing that the United States is still India’s partner of choice for exercises and military-to-military engagements. 

Adm. Harris and Minister Parrikar expressed their commitment to a strong partnership and to continuing to build on the relationship in the future.