UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visits Western Naval Command

MUMBAI: Britain's Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who is in India on a four-day visit, visited the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy here today.

Fallon was accompanied by a 12-member UK delegation, during the visit, a Defence spokesperson said.

Michael Fallon and the delegation also interacted with Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command.

"Discussions were held on aspects related to Defence and naval cooperation, maritime security and current environment in the Indo-Pacific region," the spokesperson said.

"Progress on maritime issues, as outlined in the Defence and International Security Partnership were also discussed," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The delegation also visited Indian Naval Ship Kolkata, a front line indigenously built stealth destroyer and were conducted around the ship.

"Royal Navy and Indian Navy have for long shared a healthy relationship of mutual respect, trust and professionalism. The two navies have engaged in a bilateral naval exercise named KONKAN from 2004 onwards.

"The last edition of the KONKAN series of exercises was held in December 2016 and INS Tarkash is scheduled to participate in KONKAN 17 off the coast of UK in May 2017," the spokesperson said.