US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel will arrive here Thursday on a three-day visit and hold discussions to strengthen military ties between the two countries.

 

 

 Hagel is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

 

 He is expected to discuss military ties between the two countries, including  partnership in defence hardware.

 

 His visit comes as part of high-level visits from the US after formation of the new Indian government May 26.

 

 US Secretary of State John Kerry visited India July 30-Aug 1.