February 26, 2002

'33'

SIXTH MEETING OF THE INDO-UK DEFENCE CONSULTATIVE GROUP HELD

    The British Permanent Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Kevin Tebbit has said that Defence Cooperation between India and UK has increased to a great extent during the last three years. He was speaking to the reporters after the conclusion of the two-day, sixth meeting of the India UK Defence Consultative Group here today. He said this meeting was not a just routine get together but was a real demonstration of the practical work both the countries are doing together to move forward. In reply to a question about the venue of the joint amphibious exercise Mr. Kevin said that the proposal is to hold this in India.

    Replying to the queries about the acquisition of Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk from UK, the Defence Secretary Shri Yogendra Narain said that price negotiations are progressing smoothly and both sides hope to reach a negotiated settlement very early. But he declined to give any time frame for this.

    The first meeting of the group was held in 1995. The next meeting is scheduled to be held next year in London.