New Delhi, February 17
Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of the USA, General Richard B Myers, today termed the current level Indo-US military partnership as “unprecedented” and said a strong relationship was necessary for achieving the common goal of defeating terrorism.

“A solid military partnership is important in our common goal of defeating terrorism,” General Myers said on his arrival here this morning.

He said Indo-US Army and Navy meetings in Hawaii tomorrow was primarily aimed at maintaining long-term stability in Asia.

General Myers is on a two-day official visit to India on the invitation of the Defence Minister George Fernandes.

General Myer’s visit comes at a time when a 10-member high-level IAF delegation led by Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S. G. Inamdar is meeting US defence officials at Hawaii tomorrow in continuation of the meeting of the Indo-US Executive Steering Air Force Group.

General Myers said stronger military relations was laying the foundations for a better Indo-US bilateral relations.

He said he would discuss all defence-related issues with “my colleagues in the Indian armed forces and with senior members of the Indian Government”.

“I hope my visit will strengthen the series of meetings of the Army and Navy executive steering groups, which were held between our militaries in February,” he added.

General Myers is expected to meet National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, Defence Secretary Yogendra Narain and senior officials of security agencies tomorrow.

He is due to meet Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee General S. Padmanabhan, Defence Secretary Yogendra Naraian and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy.

He will also hold discussions with Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral John DeSilva.

Moreover, Chairman of the Integrated Defence Staff Lt-Gen Joshi will make a presentation before General Myers on India’s security concerns.