MEETING WITH INDIA'S CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000889

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/06/2016
TAGS: PREL KNNP ENRG MNNC ETTC IN IR
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH INDIA'S CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF

Classified By: Ambassador David C. Mulford for Reasons 1.4 (B, D)


1. (C) Summary: On February 3, the Ambassador, US Naval
Attach, and the Navy Programs Officer from the Office of
Defense Cooperation (ODC) met with Admiral Prakash, India's
Chief of Naval Staff. The primary purpose of the meeting was
to inform ADM Prakash that the Multi-Mission Maritime
Aircraft (MMA) briefing that was scheduled for the week of
February 6, had been postponed. Additionally, other US-India
navy issues were also covered. ADM Prakash was receptive to
the postponement of the MMA briefing and noted that the cost
of joining the MMA project would play a key role in any
decision to proceed. ADM Prakash's only major concern
expressed during this meeting was regarding the schedule for
sale and transfer of the USS TRENTON. End Summary.

Navy-to-Navy Engagement Issues
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2. (C) Ambassador Mulford began the meeting by noting his
pleasure that the US Navy was able to provide standby
submarine rescue services for the President of India,s
planned ride and dive onboard an Indian submarine during the
Presidential Fleet Review February 11-13. Prakash said he
was very impressed with the speed of the response from the US
Navy and grateful for the support. Ambassador Mulford then
noted that the Joint Chiefs of Staff had approved an
adjustment to the schedule of the USS RONALD REAGAN that will
allow the REAGAN and the Indian aircraft carrier INS VIRAAT
to conduct a PASSEX in mid-February.

Multi-role Maritime Aircraft (MMA) and P-3
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3. (C) Ambassador Mulford and ADM Prakash discussed the
postponement of the MMA brief and the future of the program.
The planned briefing on MMA was postponed because the U.S.
was not in a position to move this project forward with India
at this time, and as a detailed classified briefing could not
be given, there was no point in doing a briefing that was not
the type requested by the Indian Navy. ADM Prakash stated
that he had been looking forward to a thorough, classified
briefing, perhaps leading to an announcement that we would be
working together on the MMA during the President,s visit.
Ambassador Mulford stated that was not possible at this time.


4. (SBU) ADM Prakash stated that the P3C lease/sale had been
a disappointment, but that "we need to put that behind us and
there will be these speed bumps in our growing relationship."
He continued saying that Indian Navy is looking ahead 15-20
years and sees the MMA as the next generation of Maritime
Patrol Aircraft (MPA). ADM Prakash commented that the Indian
Navy is cautious about the MMA program because they have
never participated in a project such as the MMA where a large
up front investment is required. A major consideration will
be cost. The other key concerns are: How much access will
GOI have to technical information? What will India,s status
be as a partner? How many partners will be involved? What
will be the ultimate cost of the aircraft?

USS TRENTON SALE
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5. (SBU) Ambassador Mulford and ADM Prakash next discussed
the Congressional notification procedures for the pending
sale of USS TRENTON. The Indian Navy is concerned about
whether there is enough time to ensure that a "hot" transfer

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of the ship will be complete by December 2006. Currently, the
Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) will be delivered to the
Indian Navy in April 2006, however the Indian Navy believes
that this will not allow enough time for the GOI approval
process for signing the LOA and the full process involved in
the transfer of the USS TRENTON. Indian officers on ADM
Prakash's staff stated that the Government of India would
require four months to process the LOA. Comment: For the
Indian Navy to take possession of the USS TRENTON in December
2006, Indian sailors need to begin training by May. END
COMMENT.


6. (SBU) Additionally, ADM Prakash was informed that the
impact of missing the hot transfer date of December 2006
would likely result in an additional $7 million USD to the
transfer case. They seemed very concerned about deterioration
of the ship in the months during which it would be
de-commissiioned and effectively stored. Comment: The Indian
Navy is considering sending a letter to LtGen Kohler,
Director Defense Security Cooperation Agency, requesting
assistance in getting the LOA earlier.

Conclusion
--------------


7. (SBU) The meeting ended with ADM Prakash returning to MMA
topic stating that the India Navy would like to participate
in this project. He stated that the spin-offs, both political
and economic, could be good for India. ADM Prakash commented
that India is growing to understand the U.S. view on
lifecycle costs and in reality India should consider
long-term (lifecycle) costs rather than just the purchase
price.
MULFORD