Opposition to joint army exercises inappropriate: Antony

Gwalior, MP, Aug 25 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today described the Left's opposition to joint army exercises as ''inappropriate,'' noting that such drills were being conducted as a part of bilateral agreements since the last 15 years.

Talking to mediapersons after inspecting Indian Air Force's fighting skills at Maharajpura airbase here, Mr Antony said such joint exercises had benefitted Indian Armed forces technologically and strategically.

He said India had entered into bilateral agreements with the US, the UK, Russia, Germany and other major nations for conducting joint army exercises.

The first such exercise was conducted with the US in 1992.

So far, many Indo-US joint military exercises has taken place and the joint naval exercise ''Malabar'' was set to take place next month.

He pointed out that such exercises were carried out as a part of bilateral agreements and not multilateral agreements. Besides raising stature, the drills increased capability, self-dependence and technical knowledge of the Indian Army.

Mr Antony said Indian and Chinese armies would be staging a joint exercise shortly.

Replying to a question, he said international tenders had been invited for multi-role combat aircraft for in Indian Air Force. A decision in this regard could be taken anytime.

UNI