November 18, 2001

                                                                                                                                                            '33'

FOREIGN BASES ON INDIAN SOIL AND JOINT COMBAT OPERATIONS RULED OUT

    Government's attention has been drawn to the news report on alleged proposals for a US Military Alliance with India , the establishment of American bases on Indian soil and India's participation in joint operations . We have neither received any such proposals , nor does India contemplate any such actions. Government has received specific requests for assistance in connection with Operation Enduring Freedom from certain friendly countries including the United States. Those requests that conform to our existing policy guidelines for over-flights and re-fuelling of aircraft and port calls by naval ships have been approved. The guidelines rule out India's participation in combat operations , Indian military units operating under a foreign flag other than operation mandated by the United Nations , or the provision of bases on Indian soil for any foreign military units.