JOINT EXERCISES

---

LOK SABHA

While the Armies of India and USA have so far carried out four exercises during 2002 and 2003, the Navies of two countries have participated in six major exercises from 1992 to 2003. The Indian Air Force has participated in five exercises so far during 2002 and 2003 including three exercises involving Armies of two countries. Except for a passage exercise involving Indian and German Naval ships during a port call at Kochi in July 2002, no exercises have been held by the Armed Forces of India with the Armed Forces of Germany. It would not be in national interest to divulge specific details in this regard. There is no proposal to enter into joint exercises of the Indian Army and the Army of Israel.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi in Lok Sabha today.