Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter arrived at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka on Monday.
Carter, who is on a three - day visit to India, was briefed here by Flag Officer (Karwar) Rear Admiral R. J. Nadkarni on Project Seabird, the first phase of construction of the base.
Parrikar and Carter will be holding a joint press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, officials said.
Prior to Carter's visit, the US under secretary (administration) had also visited India and held discussions on various bilateral issues including defence technology and trade initiatives.
A statement from the US embassy ahead of Carter's visit had said Carter will advance the US' growing security where the country is developing new partnerships and modernising a long - standing alliance with India.