Military

DATE=5/13/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-289721

TITLE= INDIA/U-S/MILITARIES (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: India and the United States are conducting joint military exercises in northern India as part of efforts by the two countries to step up defense cooperation. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi.

TEXT: Indian army para-commandos, and special operation forces from the Asia-Pacific Command in the United States are participating in the two-week joint training in the northern Indian town of Agra.

These are are the first war games in 40 years staged by the two countries. /// OPT /// An Indian defense spokesman says more joint exercises will be conducted in the future. /// END OPT ///

Until now, there has been little defense cooperation between India and the United States, and it was cut completely following India's nuclear tests in 1998.

But the military relationship was resumed last year. Brahma Chellaney, a foreign affairs analyst at the independent Center for Policy Research, says bilateral defense ties are growing due to "converging interests."

/// INSERT CHELLANEY ACTUALITY ///

The U-S is looking at India in strategic terms in a wider Asian framework. Moreover, there is increasing recognition, both in New Delhi and Washington, that in key areas, there is a certain convergence of interests. And these areas include the fight against Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism, and the need to maintain balance of power in Asia and the Indian Ocean.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

In recent months, top military officials of the two countries have exchanged visits. Washington has also agreed to resume supply of some defense systems that were halted after India's nuclear tests.

Last month, India concluded its first arms deal with Washington in more than a decade, when it purchased eight artillery-locating radars.

Two-thirds of India's defense hardware comes from Russia. But experts say India wants to purchase high-technology equipment from other countries, including the United States.

/// OPT /// Uday Bhaskar, Deputy Director at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis, explains.

/// INSERT BHASKAR ACTUALITY // OPT ACT ///

We have niches where we need technological expertise, definitely in this whole challenge of low intensity conflict and internal security that we are dealing with. So, the gun-locating radars really are part of this kind of an attempt that we want to acquire certain specific capabilities to deal with immediate challenges.

/// END ACTUALITY // END OPT ///

American officials say the process of expanding military cooperation with India is part of a broader strategy to deepen relations with India on issues that include trade and anti-terrorism. New Delhi also wants to build a strategic relationship with the United States. (signed)

NEB/AP/TW