Date:26/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/26/stories/2008032660221200.htm

Front Page

Not part of any military bloc, says Antony

Y. Mallikarjun

HYDERABAD: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Tuesday asserted that India had only defence cooperation with friendly countries and was not part of any military bloc or pact.

Asked about the Left concern over military ties with the United States and Israel, he told a press conference here that the Left parties had all along been opposing these things. India did not believe in being part of any military pact or bloc. “India will not ally with any country as far as any military pact or bloc is concerned,” he said.

India’s policy was to have defence cooperation with all friendly countries, including the U.S., Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and, of late, with China. Joint military exercises were also being held with Russia, the U.S., France, the U.K., Singapore and also, for the first time, with China.

Army suicides

Asked about suicides in the Army, Mr. Antony said the government was very much concerned. The incidence had come down as a result of various steps taken by the government. He said he was not fully satisfied, though the situation had improved. Efforts to solve the problem were continuing.

To a query if any order was received from friendly countries for export of missiles, he said there were no orders, but only some enquiries. There were enquiries about the Akash surface-to-air missile.