Summary:
The visitors also witnessed the final phase aboard the Indian vessel, INS Shakthi.The two defence ministers spoke about the progress being made on defence R&D collaboration especially in areas like armoured vehicles and combat care. The two ministers also spoke about greater coordination on disaster management, keeping in mind the volatility of the seas in the region. Sitharaman also spoke about how the Indian armed forces were becoming more inclusive. He also pointed out that the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Bay were a continuous body and added that India could play a crucial role in patrolling the Malacca straits. Regarding the issue of women in combat roles, she said it would be a step-by-step process and added that the Indian government is encouraging women to take up long service commissions in various departments..