NEW DELHI, Feb 24 (APP): The US Defence Secretary Robert Gates will arrive here on Tuesday to explore ways to enhance defence ties with India.
The Secretary, while heading a 50-member military-cum-business delegation, will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Adviser M K Narayanan.
The two sides will review strategic cooperation besides discussing controversial “Logistics Support Agreement and expansion of US military sales” to India. Global and regional security issues are expected to figure in the talks, media reports quoting sources here said.
The Logistics Support Agreement, being negotiated by both the countries will also come under discussion. India is insisting that it be renamed.
Under the agreement, the two countries will provide logistic support including their bases and fuel to each other’s fighters and warships. This agreement is being opposed by the Left Parties in India.