Patna, Oct 07: Defence Minister George Fernandes today hinted that India might go for a joint-military exercise with China following improved relations with that country. Fernandes told reporters here that the country was not averse to joint military operations with china in view of the improved relations between New Delhi and beijing after the recent visit of the prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to China.

He, however, did not divulge the details about the proposed defence exercise.
The Defence Minister said that he country was already having joint defence exercises with friendly countries including United States. The joint exercises provide an opportunity to the participating countries to know about the strength and weaknesses of each other and learn new defence techniques, Fernandes said.

Bureau Report