Date : 03/12/2007
NEW DELHI, Dec 3 (KUNA) -- India Monday dismissed reports of any proposal
for a joint exercise of the Indian and the US armies in Alaska.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) at
Delhi, Defense Minister A K Antony said joint exercises contribute to
enhancing the capability of Indian Armed Forces through the exchange of best
practices and procedures and exposure to advanced technology.
Antony said such exercises also increase the interoperability which would
benefit during disaster management situations and peace keeping operations.
But there were no plans of a joint exercise with the United States in
Alaska, he said.
Replying to another issue, he said that the Indian Government has not yet
decided to set up an Aerospace Command.
Antony said that the Defense Ministry had already formulated the 11th
Defence Five Year Plan covering the period 2007-12.
The plan covers the anticipated requirement of the three services, Ordnance
Factories and Defence Research and Development Organisation for the plan
period, both under Revenue and Capital heads, including modernisation of
Defence Services. (end)
dr.rk
KUNA 031745 Dec 07NNNN