DATE:09/18/95 TITLE:18-09-95 U.S., INDIA CONTINUE DIALOGUE ON DEFENSE COOPERATION TEXT: (Text: Joint press statement, 9/15/95) (460) Washington -- Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Joseph Nye and Indian Defense Secretary K.A. Nambiar met September 13-14 in Washington to continue the dialogue on defense cooperation initiated in January 1995, following the signing of the Agreed Minute in New Delhi. Following is the text of the joint press statement issued after the meetings. (Begin text) Indian Defense Secretary K.A. Nambiar and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Joseph Nye met this week for two days of consultations. The meetings continued the dialogue on defense cooperation initiated in January following the signing of the Agreed Minute in New Delhi by Secretary of Defense William J. Perry and Minister of State for Defense M. Mallikarjun. The Agreed Minute had envisaged the establishment of a Defense Policy Group (DPG) and the Joint Technical Group (JTG). The two groups held their first meetings during the week. These meetings were the first set of security discussions between the United States and India following the signing of the Agreed Minute, and mark a milestone for future partnership between these two great democracies. A number of security issues were discussed from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Rim. Other areas of common interest included Peacekeeping Operations, and the furthering of defense related cooperation between the two countries were also discussed. The JTG included discussions on issues of shared interest in technology. Both sides noted that the ongoing cooperation on the LCA has been satisfactory and additional such mission areas need to be developed. Defense Secretary Nambiar also visited Norfolk, Virginia, and the Headquarters for the U.S. Atlantic Command. He received briefings on the UN Operations in Haiti, Joint Training, and technology from the Navy, Army, and Air Force Headquarters in the Tidewater area. During his Norfolk visit, Defense Secretary Nambiar went on board the USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier of the Nimitz class, and the USS Stout, an Aegis class missile destroyer. Prior to his return to Washington, the USAF provided a flying demonstration of the F-15 fighter aircraft at Langley Air Force Base. These meetings, in Washington, expanded the discussions that began with visits by Secretary Perry and Under Secretary Walter Slocombe to New Delhi. The U.S. and India view the current opportunity as significant. This is based on shared interests that will continue to expand and support our enhanced security relationship. New potential areas of cooperation were discussed and a continuing dialogue will be developed through regular meetings of the DPG and JTG. Both sides were very pleased with the progress to date and expect greater cooperation in the future. (End text) NNNN .
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