INDO-U.S. FRAMEWORK FOR MARITIME SECURITY COOPERATION 

New Delhi
March 2, 2006


Consistent with their global strategic partnership and the new framework for their defence relationship, India and the United States committed themselves to comprehensive cooperation in ensuring a secure maritime domain. In doing so, they pledged to work together, and with other regional partners as necessary, to protect the free flow of commerce and to counter threats that could undermine maritime security

2. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to support existing multilateral efforts to enhance maritime security, including initiatives undertaken by the International Maritime Organization and other relevant UN programs. They noted the contribution to maritime security of the ongoing Indo-U.S. cooperation on disaster relief.

3. India and the United States will address, in a joint and combined manner as necessary, consistent with respective national legal authorities and relevant international law, maritime threats, including: piracy and armed robbery at sea; threats to safety of ships, crew, and property as well as safety of navigation; transnational organized crimes in all dimensions; the illicit trafficking in weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials; environmental degradation; and natural disasters. 

4. In pursuance of the above objectives, the two countries will: 

- Hold regular maritime security policy and implementation discussions in the Defense Policy Group, the Naval Executive Steering Group, and Military Cooperation Group. They will discuss current policies and emerging maritime issues to develop new avenues of cooperation, including exercises. 

- Pursue cooperation in the following areas: 

- Prevention of, and response to, acts of transnational crime at sea such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling, and trafficking in arms and drugs. 

- Search and rescue operations at sea. 

- Exchange of information and facilitation of technical assistance on combating marine pollution, as mutually agreed. 

- Enhancement of their cooperative capabilities in the maritime domain through technology cooperation and defense trade, as well as an appropriate agreement on logistic support