'India, US working at all levels to ensure peace,prosperity'

Chennai, Sept 23 (PTI) India and the US are working across at all levels to advance peace and prosperity and bilateral military cooperation is part of this, a senior US consular officer said today. As part of the US-India Strategic Dialogue, our two countries are working across at all levels of government to advance peace, prosperity and stability around the globe. This includes bilateral military cooperation, US Consul General Jennifer A McIntyre said. She was addressing officers of Coast Guards of India and US at the inauguration of a six-day Training on Maritime/Port Security Workshop at the Indian Coast Guard Eastern Region Headquarters here. Recalling the statement of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit to the city a few months back, she said US and India were both 'maritime powers,' and held key roles in ensuring safe and secure operations in Asia-Pacific. Referring to today's exercise between the two Coast Guards, she said they have had similar exchanges, providing opportunities to discuss common goals and challenges. As part of the International Military Education and Training Programme (IMET), key military personnel from both our countries have shared ideas and exchanged best practices, she said, adding US was proud India had participated regularly in such exchanges. She said the US Navy also made regular visits to India both for training as well as port calls in between missions. Speaking on the occasion, SP Sharma, IG, ICG Commander (East), said, We cherish the rich tradition of the US Coast Guard. He said the presence and impact of ICG is local, regional, national and international, making it a unique instrument, of maritime safety and security. Recalling the 'historic operation' of the 'capture' of a Japanese cargo ship which was hijacked off Indonesia in 1999, he said it has formed the base for many such operations in the recent past. Indian Coast Guard has been cooperating with the Coast Guards of the world over for sharing experience and thwart the growing menace of threat emanating from the seas, he said. Sharma said responsibilities of the Coast Guards the world over had changed in the wake of the 9/11 terror strikes on US soil, with ICG being tasked with additional responsibilities after 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. It was, therefore, the need of the hour to strengthen cooperation between Coast Guards for thwarting growing menace of crimes at seas, he said.