Washington (PTI): Indian naval chief Admiral Suresh Mehta plans to meet top Pentagon officials in Washington to boost military ties between India and the United States. Admiral Mehta is scheduled to meet top US officials including Secretary of the Navy, the Deputy Defence Secretary Gordon England and the Chief of Naval Operations at the Defence Department on Monday.

The Indian Navy Chief is on a "bilateral goodwill visit" and has nothing to do with any signing of multi-billion dollar deals, a senior official told PTI. Admiral Mehta arrived in the US earlier this week and among his first calls were a meeting of the Pacific Fleet Commander and a visit to naval installations and bases in San Diego.

The naval chief also visited United States Navy Training Center that is inclusive of simulators and where more than 50,000 personnel are trained. Before arriving in Washington on April 28 for his meetings, Admiral Mehta will be visiting Jacksonville, Florida, and the navy facility in Norfolk. The Indian Admiral will also plans to see the Naval Academy in Annapolis before leaving for home on Tuesday.