US, India militaries to improve disaster coordination

New Delhi: Defense Secretary Ash Carter says the US and India have reached a preliminary agreement that will make it easier for the two countries’ militaries to work together in disasters or other emergencies. [caption id=“attachment_2724994” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  US Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks at Innovation Roundtable organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. AP[/caption] Carter says the two countries have “agreed in principle” on the logistical agreement. He spoke during a news conference Tuesday with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar. Carter says the two countries expect to soon reach a second pact to improve the sharing of information on commercial shipping, in a move to beef up security on the seas. US defense officials said the first agreement will help the two militaries coordinate better, including in exercises, and also will allow the US to more easily sell fuel or provide spare parts to the Indians.