Gen Deepak Kapoor discusses defence ties with top US army brass

Washington: Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor has held meetings with a string of top Pentagon officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff committee chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, US army chief General George W Casey Jr and Central Command chief General David H Petraeus. Gen Kapoor is on a five day visit to the United States.

According to sources, Indo-US defence cooperation, joint military training and exercises and regional security issues like America's new Af-Pak policy have figured prominently in these meetings.

Issues of mutual interest were discussed, including "joint training and exercises, military equipment cooperation and contemporary strategic issues like US Af-Pak policy and security situation in the South Asian region," officials said.

General Kapoor was given a guard of honour at Whipple Field by the US Army. He later laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

His visit to the US comes at a time when relations between both countries appear to be on an upswing with both sides interested in developing a close strategic partnership.

During his visit, Gen Kapoor is also expected to visit important training institutions and operational headquarters of the US Army.