Military

DATE=2/18/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDIA/U-S/MILITARY TIES (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-286587

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The chairman of the U-S Joint Chiefs of Staff says there is broadening military cooperation between India and the United States. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi that the two countries are close to finalizing agreement for India to purchase U-S weapons-locating radar.

TEXT: After meeting key Indian government (Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh, Defense Minister

George Fernandes, National security adviser Brajesh Mishra) and defense officials (army chief S.

Padmanabhan), General Richard Myers said a solid military relationship between India and the United

States is important for combating global terrorism and maintaining stability in Asia. He says defense ties

between the two countries are blossoming.

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We are broadening the interaction between our two militaries, and transforming a relationship that is

going to strengthen the free world's war against terrorism.

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General Myers' trip to India follows a series of visits by top American navy and army officials in the

last two months. In December, the two countries also held week-long joint naval exercises in the Indian

Ocean. Similar exercises involving the army and air force are also planned.

The defense relationship between India and the United States came to a virtual standstill after New

Delhi conducted nuclear tests in 1998. But in the past year, it has been gathering momentum.

India is planning to make its first major purchase of defense hardware from the U-S government.

General Myers said a U-S army team is visiting India later this week to finalize an agreement on the sale of

weapons-locating radars to New Delhi. The sale of other type of equipment is expected to follow.

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Meanwhile, General Myers told reporters American troops in Afghanistan will focus on restraining

terrorist activities, but will not interfere in the tense relations between India and Pakistan. The South

Asian rivals have massed troops along their common borders since December, raising fears of a war.

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General Myers says that the American-led military operation has made a major dent in the global

terrorist network, but the threat still remains.

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In my opinion, there is still a threat inside Afghanistan. Some prominent U-S lawmaker stated the

view that the war in Afghanistan is essentially over. I think it is just beginning. As we know, al-Qaida

operates in 60 different countries. Afghanistan was only one of them.

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General Myers says that U-S troops will remain in Afghanistan until more of the Taleban and al-Qaida leadership is captured, and the war-torn country is more secure. (signed)

NEB/AP/TW