New Delhi, December 16
Defence Minister A.K. Antony today said there were no “agenda” for expanding the Indo-US defence ties from the present joint exercise level despite strong suggestions for the same from Washington.
The Defence Minister said, “We seek better military cooperation with all countries, including the US, but it is not an agenda to expand these”. He was addressing the media on the sidelines of the function to celebrate Vijay Diwas which marks India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 campaign to liberate Bangladesh.
The comments from the Defence Minister assume importance in the wake of the impending Indo-US nuclear deal. Besides, there were also discussions between US Under Secretary of State Nicolas Burns and Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt earlier this month where Washington suggested New Delhi to contribute to coalition forces.
While there was a suggestion that Indian forces should serve under NATO forces, the Defence Secretary is believed to have shot down this suggestion as it would involve not only a substantial policy move but it had also been prohibited by a parliamentary resolution in 2003.
Mr Dutt apparently told the US Under Secretary of State that Indian troops could only serve under the UN flag.
On Indo-Pak relations, Mr Antony said of late the infiltration had come down but there was no room for complacency. Pakistan was still supporting terror groups and unless it stopped, we have to be on alert.
Earlier, a grateful nation paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 war. In a poignant ceremony at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, Mr Antony and the three service chiefs laid wreaths in the memory of the brave Indian soldiers who died fighting for the country in 1971.
Indian Air Force helicopters flew with the ensigns of the three services showering rose petals on the people assembled there. The area around the Amar Jawan Jyoti was later thrown open to the public to light candles in the memory of the martyrs.
Mr Antony, who was in J&K earlier this week, said the Indian Army was alert on the border and the soldiers were risking their lives in difficult conditions.
