India-US joint military exercises

From http://www.ndtv.com

India-US hold joint military exercises
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Vishnu Som

Thursday, May 16, 2002 (Agra):

India and the United States today continued their largest military exercise since the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998. The exercises, which involve para-commandos of the two sides, are meant to train elite units of the American and Indian armed forces to operate together in any future joint military mission.

In Agra, journalists were witness to Indian and American paratroopers boarding the American Hercules, meant to showcase the new military equation between New Delhi and Washington.

It is an equation that has new significance following the September 11 attacks. Though America continues operations on Pakistani soil against terrorists, India is increasingly seen as an important military partner and an ally in the fight against international terror.

In the last few months India and the US have signed a contract for American gun-locating radars and Washington has agreed to sell electronic sensors to monitor infiltration across the Line of Control in Kashmir.

“The objective is to know each other again, to interact together, train together, plan together, build friendships with each other and normalize this relationship through this cornerstone. This is the largest exercise we have had in recent times,” said Colonel Donald Zedler, American Military Attache.

These exercises that pit the advanced technology of the Americans against the grit and determination of the Indian jawan are meant to develop joint standards for any future joint operations.

“Yes, their technology is much more advanced than ours. We are going to learn from them and use their equipment,” said Col J P Singh: Diy Commander, Para Brigade.

The process of joint exercises with the Americans doesn’t end in Agra.In October, the Air Forces of both sides hold exercises and later in the year,the Indian armed forces hold extreme cold weather exercises in Alaska — each round of exercises enhancing the inter-operability of the two armed forces.

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