India, Germany to Exchange Expertise in Peace-Keeping Ops

New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Furthering bilateral ties, India and Germany today agreed to increase defence cooperation including exchange of expertise in peace-keeping operations as also experience in disaster management.

At the first Indo-German High Defence Committee meeting held here, German Secretary for Defence Dr Peter Eickenboom assured India transfer of technology, wherever possible, in armament procurement and joint development of armament platforms.

He said Germany shared India's security perspectives and recognised its growing importance in regional stability and peace.

The visiting official also assured that Germany would be ''an open and reliable partner'' in all areas of defence cooperation.

Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt led the Indian delegation at the talks -- the first Defence Secretary-level meeting after the September last year signing of the bilateral defence agreement between the two countries during the visit of erstwhile Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Germany.

UNI