PACIFIC OCEAN -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday met with India’s Chief of the Naval Staff Adm. R. Hari Kumar aboard the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH-183) in the Pacific Ocean on Nov 6, as part of his trip to the Indo-Pacific region to attend the International Fleet Review and Western Pacific Naval Symposium.
The two leaders discussed maritime security, sharing capabilities, and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.
U.S. and Indian naval forces regularly operate together around the globe. This month the two navies will participate in MALABAR 22, an annual maritime exercise which includes a variety of high-end tactical training, including specific interactions that are designed to enhance interoperability between the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, and U.S. maritime forces
The U.S. designated India as a Major Defense Partner in 2016. This past August, in a first-of-its-kind opportunity, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) arrived at Larsen & Toubro Ltd, commonly known as L&T shipyard, in Kattupalli, India, for scheduled voyage maintenance and repairs.
Gilday last met with Kumar during a visit to India in October 2021.