After meeting Swaraj, Hagel to meet other key Indian leaders

After meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj this morning, visiting United States Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is expected to call on several key Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

Hagel is visiting India as US Defence Secretary for the first time. Last week, Secretary of State John Kerry and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker had visited New Delhi.

According to media reports, issues such as bilateral intelligence sharing and discussions on deals for procuring 22 Apache attack helicopters, 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers along with four P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft are expected to be discussed in these meetings.

Hagel has said that his visit to New Delhi will not only be focused on enhancing military to military ties.

He has described India as a country that will help shape the "new world order" that is emerging in the 21st century.