GENERAL WALKER CALLS ON
DEFENCE MINISTER
General Michael Walker,
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), United Kingdom, called on Defence
Minister Shri George Fernandes in New Delhi today. They discussed
matters of mutual interests and defence related issues. General
Walker gave a brief account of UK’s experience in developing CDS
system. The situation in Iraq and other parts of the continent
was also discussed. The Defence Minister told General Walker about
the proxy war and Prime Minister’s peace initiative with Pakistan.
Shri Fernandes said that India is still keen on peace with its
neighbours but unfortunately infiltration from across the border
continues unabated. General Walker acknowledged India’s concern
in this regard.
Indo-UK defence
ties are strong and derived from historical and economic linkages
as well as shared mutual interests. The Indo-UK Defence Consultative
Group meets annually to facilitate mutual understanding of strategic
and security interests, cooperation between the armed forces through
training and institutionalized interaction as well as cooperation
between the defence industries.
During the last
Indo-UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting at London in June 2003,
the British side had proposed a number of operationally related
training activities between the two Armed Forces. These and other
events will provide Armed Forces of both countries an opportunity
to understand each other’s operating procedures, while enhancing
bilateral defence cooperation.
The visit of
General Walker is in continuation of the planned high-level bilateral
exchanges between India and UK. During his visit, General Walker
also called on Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman Chiefs of Staff
Committee Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Chief of Army Staff General
NC Vij, and Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal M McMahon. He
will also visit operational units of the Indian Armed Forces.
