Joint Chiefs chair begins India visit

NEW DELHI, India -- Military cooperation between the United States and India has reached new levels and is crucial to stop terrorism, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff said Sunday.

Officials of the two countries' armies and navies met earlier this month.

Another meeting between air force officials from both sides is scheduled to begin today in Hawaii.

"A solid military relationship is important for our nations' common goal of defeating terrorism," Gen. Richard Myers said in a news release after arriving in New Delhi to start a visit.

Myers is scheduled to meet senior officials in the Indian government and armed forces, the news release said.

After decades of estrangement, India is developing close diplomatic and military ties with the United States. The two nations have agreed to share military intelligence to help tackle terror networks.

During the Cold War, India professed to be nonaligned but depended politically and militarily on Russia. Meanwhile, the U.S. tilt toward Pakistan, India's rival, led India to view Washington with suspicion.

India has traditionally bought most of its defense hardware and weaponry from Moscow. New Delhi is now considering weapons purchases from Washington as well.