US defence secretary arrives in India on 3-day visit

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday on a three-day visit and is expected to discuss regional security situation, defence deals worth over Rs 20,000 crore and joint military hardware development projects with the Indian political and military leadership.

Before leaving for India, Hagel had said the US is looking for new partners and relationships in Asia Pacific region which represents both opportunities and challenges.

During his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma

Swaraj, the two sides are expected to discuss the regional security situation including the fallout of the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Hagel is also scheduled to hold discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chairman, Chiefs of Staffs Committee Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, defence ministry officials said.

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The issue of intelligence sharing and discussions on deals for procuring 22 Apache attack helicopters, 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers along with four P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft is expected to come up for discussion in the meetings.

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