Indian Navy Commander meets Defence Ministry Secretary

Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Karambir Singh meeting Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne at his office yesterday

Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Karambir Singh paid a courtesy call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne at his office yesterday.

During the meeting, the Indian Naval Chief and the Defence Ministry Secretary discussed a range bilateral issues including coordination of security measures in the territorial waters, training collaborations, curtailing illegal smuggling activities including narcotics and drugs, maritime matters, information sharing and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

The Defence Ministry Secretary Maj. Gen. Gunaratne gave a brief explanation to Admiral Karambir Singh on how the then-Government was able to defeat terrorism, and the steps taken to eradicate the menace from the country.  He also outlined the need for information sharing between the two countries as both neighbouring countries share common threats.

The Defence Ministry Secretary emphasised the need for better cooperation and involvement between both countries in solving maritime disputes. 

At the end of the discussion Defence Ministry Secretary Maj. Gen. Gunaratne and Admiral Karambir Singh exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.

Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Karambir Singh is in the country on a four-day visit. He is scheduled to attend a navy passing out parade of midshipmen at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee as the Chief Guest on Saturday. 

The visiting Indian Navy Chief is also expected to meet the President, Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and Commanders of the Army and Air Force during his visit to the island.