Army chief Gen Bikram Singh's US visit to focus on Afghanistan drawdown, gun purchase

NEW DELHI: Withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the issue procurement of ultra light howitzers are expected to be high on the agenda of Army chief Gen Bikram Singh during his four-day visit to the US starting today.

During the three-day tour, Gen Singh would also be inducted in the US Army War College ' Hall of Fame'. He had done a course from there in 2004, Army officials said here.

"The visit assumes special significance in the light of enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries over the last few years and rapidly increasing defence engagements under the new framework for India-US defence relations," an Army release said.

During the India visit of his US counterpart, Gen Singh had raised the issue of withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the resultant security situation in the region after that.

He had expressed his concern over the emerging security scenario there.

The Army chief is also expected to discuss the ongoing defence procurement cases between the two sides including the procurement of M-777 ultra light howitzers which are being bought from the US.

Noting that present cooperation between the two sides was on a rise, the Army release said it "encompasses equipment procurement, exchange of delegations, training and conduct of joint exercises. It is notable the US undertakes maximum number of joint exercises with India amongst all nations."

During his stay, the Army chief will visit important establishments of the US military and meet a number of high- ranking defence and civilian officials.