Ranikhet: For sharing its expertise in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations with friendly foreign countries, the Army will hold more than 15 international military exercises by the end of next year.
"During 2011-12, India is scheduled to undertake more
than 15 international military exercises with different
friendly and strategic nations and `Shakti 11`, a joint
Indo-French military exercise is one of them," Colonel P S
Minhas, Director at the International Defence Cooperation
cell, said here Friday.
Around 16?19 exercises and trainings with international friendly nations including Nepal have been scheduled to be held during this period.
The list of countries who want to train with the Indian
Army includes the US, the UK, France, Russia, Mongolia,
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to Bangladesh, Myanmar,
Nepal, Maldives, Seychelles, Singapore, Indonesia and
Thailand.
Many countries are looking up to India for its years of
experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency related
wars it fought in Kashmir and Northeast region.
"Our men are well trained in high altitude terrain,
jungle warfare, in the plains, in the riverine sections in low
denses," Minhas said.
As a result, "all big countries and immediate neighbours
(not all), strategic neighbourhoods (situated away from our
vicinity) look up to the Indian Army", he said.
The Army, however, is focussed on its "neighbours and
extended neighbours" and certain developed countries for such
kind of joint exercises and trainings, he said.
With six decades of experience and especially in the
last two decades of hands-on experience, he said, the Indian
Army is sought after for its invaluable expertise in counter-
insurgency and counter-terrorism, and for its ability to adapt
in all types of terrains.
PTI
