Expenses on joint exercises determined by nature: Antony

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) The expenses incurred on conduct of joint exercises with friendly foreign countries are determined by their nature and complexity for which specific expenditure sanction is issued with the approval of the competent authority, Defence Minister A K Antony said today.

He said joint exercises with friendly foreign nations are considered on case-to-case basis based on the need to engage them as directed by the country's national security guidelines.

During the past one year, joint exercises have been conducted with France, US, UK, Singapore, Russia, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives, the Defence Minister added.

He said joint exercises benefit the Indian Army by enhancing its capability through exchange of best practices and procedures and exposure to advanced technologies.

Joint exercises also build interoperability, mutual understanding and give impetus to the ongoing military-to-military cooperation, Mr Antony told Lok Sabha member Milind Deora in a written reply.

UNI AG MSJ KN2014