JOINT EXERCISES WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
LOK SABHA
The Armed Forces
of India have organized bilateral exercises with the Armed Forces
of USA, France, Tajikistan, Singapore, Oman, Russia and China
during the last three years till date.
Indian Navy have
also conducted the MILAN series of multinational exercises involving
the navies of South Asia and South Each Asia. In 'MILAN 03' held
at Port Blair from February 11-15, 2003, ships and personnel from
Australia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand
participated.
Such exercises provide
valuable exposure to the Armed Forces to keep abreast with the
latest developments in equipment, technology, warfare tactics,
concepts and doctrines relating to military operations, test the
military skills of our
Armed Forces in relation
to others, and promote" mutual understanding and cooperation.
The decisions to hold joint exercises are taken by the Government
keeping in view our national interests.
There are proposals
under consideration to hold joint exercises by our Armed Forces
with armed forces of other countries in the near future. A proposal
for a joint naval exercise with France is at an advanced planning
stage. It would be premature to disclose details thereof.
This information
was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written
reply to Shri Ramshakal and Shri Sadashivrao Dadoba Mandlik in
Lok Sabha today.
