(a) Whether Indo-US joint defence exercises have been pepped up in the current year;
(b) if so, the details of the joint exercises held with US alongwith the benefits accrued therefrom; and
(c) the yardsticks being followed while entering into joint exercise agreements without annoying neighbouring and traditionally friendly countries among whom some have signed defence co-operation agreements with India?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) During the year 2005, six joint exercises were conducted between the Armed Forces of India and the United States of America (USA).
(b) The details are given in Annexure.
The basic objective of these exercises is to improve interoperability and better understanding of each other’s procedures and equipment. A better understanding of US weapons and equipment, tactics, techniques and doctrines is expected to enhance India’s military capability and preparedness.
(c) India has established defence cooperation relations with many friendly countries. Defence relations with one country, including joint exercises, do not detract from the friendly defence relations with another country.
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY GIVEN IN PART (b) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 21 FOR 24.11.2005
Details of Joint Exercises conducted between India and the USA during 2005.
Name of the Joint Name of the Date Place Military Exercise Countrywhere the Joint Exercise was held Ex- VAJRA PRAHAR 05-1 INDIA August 4-19, 2005 Jodhpur Ex-YUDH ABHYAS 05-1 INDIA September 10-30, 2005 Mizoram Ex-YUDH ABHYAS 05-2 USA September 6-18, 2005 Alaska Ex-MALABAR CY-04 INDIA September 25-October 4, 2005 Western Coast, Goa Ex-SHATRUJEET 05-1 USA May 31-June 28, 2005 California Ex-COPE INDIA 05-1 INDIA November 7 to 19, 2005 Kalaikunda