Russia major strategic partner: Indian defense minister
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, April 5, IRNA
India-Defense
India's Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said Russia continues to be India's major strategic partner, reported Pioneer News Service of New Delhi.
In an address to the biannual Army Commanders' Conference here on Monday, Mukherjee said in the more recent past Israel too has emerged as an important technological partner of India.
Mukherjee sounded a note of caution before the arrival of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on April 9. India, he said must be watchful of China's military might in Tibet and the rapid expansion of its naval power in the Indian Ocean region.
The minister's comments came in the backdrop of the latest debate within the Indian establishment over the US proposal to sell F-16 fighter jets to Indian Air Force.
Addressing the commanders for the first time after becoming the defense minister, Mukherjee maintained the most potent threats to the country were not coming from conventional wars but from terrorism, insurgency and nuclear and missile threats.
The minister asked the Indian Armed Forces to prepare for better border, airspace and maritime management.
Mukherjee stressed the importance of co-ordination in planning, equipping and operations between the three services.
The four-day long conclave would see the top brass of India's Army discuss the fast changing war scenario in the region and beyond.
They are also expected to discuss issues related to human resource development and measures taken to further improve standards of discipline in the armed forces.
2160/1430/2322/1432
::IRNA No.063 05/04/2005 18:23 --End
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