(a) whether the Government have cleared a proposal envisaging joint patrolling by India and the United States of the strategic Malacca Straits;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) whether this decision is of considerable significance as it promises India`s emergence as one of the key players in the region; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The joint patrolling is being carried out on the basis of a request from the United States. Indian naval assets deployed for this purpose operate under Indian command and flag.
(c) & (d) At the meeting of the India-U.S. Defence Policy Group in Delhi in December 2001, the two delegations agreed that India-U.S. defence and security cooperation can promote freedom, global peace, economic progress, and security in Asia and beyond. India remains committed to fulfilling its role and responsibility, in cooperation with other countries, for maintaining security and stability in the region.