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FM AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI
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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 
------------------------------ 
 
¶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 
------------------------------------------ 
 
¶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 
---------------- 
 
¶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 
 
NEW DELHI 00000889  002 OF 002 
 
 
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