Indian Army News [February 2002]

Russia transfers documents to India
(Itar-Tass, 20 February 2002)

Russia has started transferring to India technical documents for the production of T-90C tanks under a licence, Deputy Director General of the Rosoboroneksport company, Viktor Komardin, said at Defexpo 2002 in New Delhi.

US defence team in India to clinch radar deal
(Times of India, 20 February 2002)

A high-powered US defence team headed by a top military commander was here on Wednesday to negotiate the sale of a radar system which locates enemy battlefield weapons. US Army Major General Bruce Scott and his team was discussing the possible sale of AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder weapons-locating radar, US embassy officials said. "The agreement will be, for the Indian Army, the first major government-to-government purchase of military equipment from the United States," a US embassy spokesman added. The United States only recently lifted military and economic sanctions which were imposed after India conducted a string of nuclear tests in May 1998. US Ambassador Robert Blackwill said the possible sale of the Firefinders would mark the opening of India's doors to the American defence industry.

"We are interested in (selling) the Firefinder and it is up to the Indian government to decide," Ambassador Blackwill said. "US defence sales to India marks a transformation of our relationship as there is joint recognition in both governments that in the war against terrorism we are together." Major General Scott, Commanding General of the US Army Security Assistance Command, said negotiations were underway with the Defence Ministry over the sale of the radar. "I have bought over a very technical team and they will be discussing the details," Major General Scott said. He declined to give details such as the cost of the radar system, delivery schedules or technology transfer provisions in the proposed agreement. Major Generals Scott's team arrived in New Delhi two days after General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited India to broaden military ties.

Rs.521 crore being spent for modernization of ammunition depots
(Press Information Bureau, 20 February 2002)

Defence Minister George Fernandes has said that Government has laid emphasis on modernization of ordnance and ammunition depots. In the last couple of years the Ordnance services have been getting the desired financial support and have started making visible progress in this direction. Defence Minister Fernandes was addressing the Consultative Committee Meeting attached to his Ministry in New Delhi. The Defence Minister said that one of the major constraints in the past to modernize the depots has been budgetary. Since 1950s till the year 1999, works worth only Rs.129 crores were sanctioned for construction of ammunition storage accommodation. The Government now has removed this constraint and in 2000-01 and 2001-02, works worth Rs.228 crores and Rs.147 crores were released/approved respectively. Projects worth Rs. 146 crores are under execution during the current financial year. This allotment of additional funds will go a long way in creation of more storage accommodation for shifting ammunition, at present stored on open plinths under canvas/tentage to proper explosive stores houses.

Works worth Rs.313 crores have been projected for the year 2002-03. Once these works are completed, adequate covered accommodation will be available for the ammunition. Emphasis is on replacing the temporary accommodation by permanent accommodation and providing the necessary security, fire fighting and technical infrastructure in the ammunition depot. A sum of Rs.3565 crores has also been projected in the Army's 10th Plan towards modernization of ammunition depots, security and fire fighting infrastructure, computerization and raising of two new ammunition depots, the Defence Minister added. It has also been decided to modernize seven Central Ordnance Depots located at Agra, Mumbai, Chheoki, Delhi Cantonment, Dehu Road, Jabalpur and Kanpur in a phased manner. To begin with, modernization of the Central Ordnance Depot, Kanpur has been taken up involving an expenditure of Rs.187 crores.

The project envisaging complete mechanization of the stores handling, construction of additional storage accommodation and improvement in security environment is expected to be completed by December 2003. Steps have also been taken to design, develop and install an 'On-line Inventory Management System'. Various measures have been taken to reduce fire accidents in ammunition depots. Shortages in fire-fighting equipment are being made up. 88 fire fighting trucks are being procured shortly. In addition, 137 fire fighting trucks have also been contracted. Lauding the work of the Army Ordnance Corps, the Defence Minister said that all the ordnance depots are now being properly maintained and expressed his confidence that the shortcomings would be made up. Defence Minister Fernandes in his concluding remarks said that with the positive steps now being taken, the ammunition and ordnance depots will become more dynamic, responsive, secure and safe.

Many nations in race to sell arms to India
(Times of India, 20 February 2002)

With India emerging as one of the largest military equipment buyers in the world and planning to spend billion of dollars over the next 10 years, several countries are in the race to sell sophisticated weapon systems to New Delhi. And with the Indian defence sector finally opening up, many are proposing joint production ventures. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met with Prime Minister Vajpayee in the chair on February 20th to review the security situation, in fact, is said to have finalised five to six defence deals. Consider a few examples. If the US is offering the AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder weapon-locating radars, Britain is keen on the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer deal. If South Africa is bidding for a joint artillery partnership with mounted, self-propelled and towed guns, Sweden is pushing upgraded versions of the Bofors 155mm guns and the Carl Gustav man-portable artillery systems.

Then, of course, there is long-term defence ally Russia, with its offer of the diesel-electric Amur-1650 and Amur-950 submarines, aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, Kamov helicopters, Smerch and Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers, besides joint partnership in developing futuristic weapon systems. "New Delhi and Moscow have long strategic ties....We now have 20 joint military-technical programmes. India's endeavour is to choose the best armaments and we are not at all worried about it (competition from other countries)," said Viktor Komardin, Deputy General Director of Russia's state-owned weapon supplier Rosoboronexport, during the ongoing Defexpo-2002. The US, too, is sure of the vastly superior quality of its defence products. US Ambassador Robert Blackwill said the proposed sale of the AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder radars was just the beginning.

"The issue of defence sales is a crucial element of our transforming defence relationship....American companies are showing more and more interest in defence sales to India," he said. Major General Bruce Scott, Commanding General of the US Army Security Assistance Command, in turn, said he had brought to India a draft letter of sale for the Firefinder systems, which detect long-range enemy missiles, rockets and artillery projectiles and provide pinpoint targeting data for the counterattack. "India's total requirement is still being worked out....this particular sale has eight systems," he said. Though he did not elaborate on the exact number of such radars wanted by India, sources say it is in the range of 150 to 200 units. Sweden, in turn, is offering the new towed FH-77BL52 and the wheeled self-propelled FH-77D artillery systems, as also showing keenness to revive the 1986 Bofors agreement to manufacture these howitzers in India. "The two new systems can achieve ranges of 40 km with the standard base bleed ammunition and much higher ranges with our new generation of ammunition," said SWS Defence Chairman Hakan Kangert.

More Swedish companies should be invited to India
(Confederation of Indian Industry, 20 February 2002)

Large scope exists for a diversified trade between India and Sweden and this has to be done by engaging more Swedish companies to come to India. This was stated by Mr, Olof Milveden, Swedish Trade Commissioner while addressing a press conference at the Defexpo India 2002 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in association with the Ministry of Defence. Identifying telecommunications, energy generation, transmission and distribution and transportation as key areas of special interest for Indo-British cooperation, Mr. Milveden said that chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotech, electronics, software and defence sectors in India are attracting special attention of Sweden's trade and industry. The bilateral trade figure between the two countries stands at 4.5 billion kroner in 2000 as compared to 3 billion kroner in 1992, indicating an increase of 20%.

Describing the long standing economic and political ties between India and Sweden, Mr. Milveden said that Sweden had helped India in its industrialization process and a number of Swedish MNCs such as Sandvik, Atlas Copco, SKF and other already had their presence in India. Reiterating that Europe's defence system has undergone a change in philosophy by laying a stronger emphasis on cooperation in the post cold war era, Mr. Milveden said that Sweden can provide the technological expertise for a highly Indian air defence system. The trade commissioner also said that cooperation between the two countries have become increasingly necessary in order to share the growing cost of developing advanced weapon system as no country, outside the US, can afford to develop a significant weapon system or major weapons platform on its own. Mr. Hakan Kangert, Chairman of Swedish Weapon Systems, said that his company would be presenting to the Indian Army two new members of the FH-77 family, namely the FH-77BLF2 and the wheeled self-propelled FH-77D.

Both the systems can achieve ranges of 40 km with the standard base bleed ammunition and much higher ranges with new generation ammunition, he added. While retaining the advantages of the combat-proven Indian Army's existing FH-77B, a number of features compatible with all NATO ammunition as well as all in-service ammunition in the Indian Army, have been developed in the new versions, Mr. Kangert added. "We are looking for joint ventures, joint production and partnerships in artillery guns as well as production of new generation ammunition charges," Kangert said, adding that the company wanted to have a substantial presence in India. Soren Gildhan, President, FFV Ordnance, said that Sweden is ready to offer its improved gun and advanced ammunition to India as well as continue to render full assistance and cooperation for the supply of the Carl Gustav system which is already in use with the Indian Army.

He also said that FFV Ordnance is also open to discuss the modalities of manufacturing the advanced weapon system by the Indian Ordnance factories as they have long experience of producing the basic Carl Gustav weapon system, he added. Gote Nilleson of Barakunda Camouflage said that his company aims to develop a market in India and supply products both for military and civilian needs. Other major Swedish armament companies delegation at the press conference said that they were ready to collaborate with India on development and production of conventional missiles including ground to ground, air to ground and ship to ship.

South Africa offers joint ammunition production
(Times of India, 20 February 2002)

South Africa offered a strategic partnership to India to jointly manufacture artillery gun systems, ammunition and charges and then market them globally. Pretoria is also keen that the two countries work together to make the Indian Ocean a zone of peace. Leading a high-level delegation to Defexpo-2002, South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and public enterprises minister Jeff Radebe said their country was keen on "the establishment of a joint India-South Africa Artillery Partnership, in terms of which our respective industries would jointly manufacture and market such systems globally." The partnership could include joint building and marketing of the new T5-2000 and G5-2000 truck-mounted gun systems in 155mm 52-calibre range. The ministers said South Africa had taken a political decision to not sell any armaments to Pakistan. Besides 155mm howitzers, Radebe said South Africa was actively pursuing collaborative ventures with Indian defence industries.

South Africa is the first country to propose a joint venture with the Indian Ordnance Factories Board for establishing manufacturing facilities for artillery propellant charges at Nalanda in Bihar. Disclosing that India was likely to conclude a deal for the mounted howitzers by this year-end, Defence Minister Lekota said South Africa had offered complete technology transfer for building guns in India, as also guns to be mounted on the chassis of the Arjun MBT. Along with British and Israeli companies, the South African state-owned armament company Denel is competing for contracts to meet India's defence requirements in the field of different artillery systems like mounted, self-propelled and towed guns. "Denel's proven and successful integrated ballistic system can be a cost-effective solution for India's artillery requirements," said Radebe. South Africa is also ready to offer India Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, early warning systems, radar and sonar and anti-mine armoured vehicles.

South Africa proposes artillery partnership with India
(Yahoo News, 19 February 2002)

South Africa is in advanced negotiations with India to sell a wide array of hi-tech artillery systems, including self-propelled guns that the Indian Army wants in order to modernise. South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, leading a high-level delegation of defence and military officials to Defexpo 2002 said his country was also keen on forming long-term partnerships with India to jointly manufacture and market military hardware. Denel, South Africa's state-owned defence industrial unit, has proposed to establish an India-South Africa artillery partnership, a joint venture that would lead to the setting up in India of manufacturing units for ammunition, charges and gun systems.

South Africa will take advantage of India's decision to deregulate its defence production sector, which allows foreign direct investment of 26%, by establishing joint ventures, Defence Minister Lekota said. "The door is open for our industry to pursue business initiatives at this time of reequipping the Indian defence forces." India and South Africa signed a comprehensive agreement on defence cooperation in 2000. South African defence companies have already supplied a wide range of defence hardware to the Indian armed forces, including mine-protected vehicles, as well as technology to manufacture 155mm artillery shells.

Denel is currently finalising a contract with the Indian defence ministry on technology for setting up an ordnance factory in Bihar to manufacture artillery ammunition. The factory, to be set up in Nalanda, will be India's 40th ordnance unit and will be set up on a turnkey basis, said Denel Chief Executive Flip Botha. Referring to the Indian Army's ongoing project to modernise its artillery regiments, South African Minister of Public Enterprises Jeff Radebe said the proposed artillery partnership would create standardised towed, mounted and self-propelled gun systems and lead to considerable cutting of costs.

Defence Minister Lekota said he expected all contracts under negotiation with India to be finalised before the end of the year. "Some of the capabilities we are intending to develop (in India) are for both of us," he said. As part of growing cooperation between the armed forces of the two sides, Defence Minister Lekota said South Africa was keen on enhancing efforts to maintain the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace. "In view of the transformation of the global security situation, coupled with the development of bilateral relations, the opportunity for cooperation between our defence forces has increased considerably," he said. "Today India and South Africa are major players along the Indian Ocean rim."

Defence Minister George Fernandes (left) and President of Confederation of India Industry (CII), Sanjan Goenka (right) attends the inauguration of a five-day long international exhibition of military hardware 'Defexpo 2002' in New Delhi on 19 February 2002. Defence Minister Fernandes laid out his Government's vision of India as a manufacturing base for top-of-the-range defence products for export as well as domestic use. [Image © India Times]

South Africa says no to arms to sale to Pakistan
(Yahoo News, 19 February 2002)

South Africa said it had decided against making any arms sales to Pakistan despite requests from Islamabad for military hardware. "Although Pakistan has knocked on our doors and put forward orders, we have taken a position that we will not sell to them," said South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota. Defence Minister Lekota, leading a high-level South African defence delegation to Defexpo 2002, said several factors had influenced this decision. "There is no democratic government in place in Pakistan," he said. "We would not like to be involved in any sales where we are seen to be fuelling the fires of conflict."

He was apparently referring to the tensions between India and Pakistan following the massing of troops along their border in the wake of the terror attack on the Indian Parliament in December. Defence Minister Lekota said his country was keen on forging long-term partnerships with India to jointly manufacture and market hi-tech military hardware. Several South African companies, including state-owned defence major Denel, are in talks with the MoD for this purpose. India and South Africa signed a comprehensive agreement on military cooperation in 2000. In recent years, South African firms have supplied a wide range of hardware to India, including artillery ammunition and armoured vehicles.

India to acquire weapon-locating radars soon
(Indian Express, 19 February 2002)

India is set to acquire the much needed weapon-locating radar (AN/TPQ-37) from the US. General Richard B. Myers, the visiting US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also said that India and Pakistan should sort out their differences bilaterally. "A team led by Major General Bruce Scott, Commanding General of the Security Assistance Command will visit New Delhi on February 20th to seek consensus on an agreement for India to purchase the radars. "Agreements pertaining to other types of equipment are expected to follow,'' he said. India is also expected to acquire at least 40 GE-404 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). And in a major boost to military-to-military cooperation, General Myers said that the two navies had developed a dynamic three year program of substantive exercises including anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and integrated training in continuation of Malabar series of exercises.

"The US sees its relations with India as central to maintaining long-term stability in Asia and in fighting terrorism. The transformation of our military relationship is essential to achieving these goals," General Myers said. India and the US armies will also cooperate on high altitude and cold water training apart from expert exchanges on disaster management initiatives. The air forces of the two nations which began cooperating during the second world war will seek renewed understanding on search and rescue and airlift support operations. General Myers who met Defence Minister George Fernandes, Defence Secretary Yogendra Narain, the three Services Chiefs and the National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra ruled out any role for the US in the current Indo-Pak situation. He also said the US presence in the region was limited to Afghanistan context and had no expansion plans.

Defence Minister hints at hike in defence budget
(Yahoo News, 19 February 2002)

With Indian troops deployed in war-time readiness along the borders with Pakistan and New Delhi shopping for hi-tech defence equipment, Defence Minister George Fernandes indicated a sharp hike in defence spending for the next financial year. Defence Minister Fernandes said the defence allocation for next year would be in keeping with the recent increases in defence expenditure. The Finance Minister is to present the fiscal budget for 2002-2003 in Parliament on February 28th. Defence outlay for this year had been pegged at Rs.620 billion, up from Rs.585 billion last year. India and Pakistan have amassed their troops along their borders following tension triggered by the December 13th terror attack on Indian Parliament, which New Delhi blames on extremist outfits based in Pakistan. Tensions between the two nuclear weapon states have sparked fears about an all-out war. "As far as defence is concerned, the government's position is that the armed forces will never starve for money," Defence Minister Fernandes said.

"Whatever is needed for weapons and equipment will be given," he added, but declined to go into details. He alleged that for six years before the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to power in 1998, the armed forces had been starved for money. "Prime Minister Vajpayee had personally taken steps to increase the allocation of funds for defence," he added. He, however, expressed concern about the huge amount allocated for the purchase of new weapons that was lying unspent. According to official figures, Rs.130 billion was lying unspent. "We hope the major part (of these funds) will be spent before the financial year ends. Some agreements are still in the pipeline," Defence Minister Fernandes said. Speaking about the Defexpo, he said gaining a larger share of the export market would allow India's state-run defence industries achieve economies of scale. India's current defence exports stand at Rs.3 billion. "If everything turns out well, perhaps, our exports will increase to 10 billion," he said.

A/Cs on way for a long summer on the border
(Indian Express, 19 February 2002)

In an indication that deployment along the country's western borders will be a long-drawn-out affair, the army and air force are procuring additional air conditioners and coolers for equipment to weather the 50º Celsius summer heat. Lieutenant General D.P. Sehgal, Signal-Officer-in-Chief (SO-in-C) said, "Our men are very sturdy. Even the indigenous equipment is built to operate in high temperatures. But air conditioners and coolers are being provided for high technology equipment to prevent system malfunction." Lt. Gen. Sehgal, who recently returned from a tour of forward locations in Punjab and Rajasthan, said the army had dug in for the summer. According to army sources, additional air conditioners and coolers are necessary to ensure the reliability of digital equipment. The air force will also use air conditioner trolleys to pump cold air into cockpits to ensure the efficiency and reliability of avionics in fighter aircraft.

Air conditioners and coolers are being fitted into trucks carrying digital communication equipment capable of linking forward tactical headquarters not only with the rear (brigade, division and corps headquarters) but also with command headquarters and military operations in New Delhi. Since information flow has to be real time, the equipment has been set up in the Rajasthan desert. Generator sets have been dug in deep to provide power even in the desert. The Army Service Corps (ASC) will also procure ice for supply to hospitals to treat heat stroke cases in the summer. "As a precautionary measure, large quantities of IV fluid have also been stored at field hospitals and forward medical aid centres close to the borders in the Rajasthan desert and parts of Punjab and Gujarat," sources in army headquarters said.

The ice will be contracted for delivery on demand in the months of May and June, he added. The air force has also placed special air conditioner trolleys on tarmacs, since temperatures there tend to be far higher, causing high-technology advanced aircraft systems to malfunction. "The cockpits of some fighter aircraft are not air conditioned. The temperature outside is 50º, and if the canopy is down even for a few minutes, the temperature inside spirals. Mobile air conditioner trolleys are kept ready on the tarmac," IAF officials said.

Russian ordnance maker offers India joint venture opportunities
(Indya News, 18 February 2002)

Russia's largest ordnance manufacturer, Bazalt, has offered to jointly develop and produce with India new generation smart weapons including gliding bombs for the IAF and grenades capable of piercing the protective armour of Pakistan's T-84 tanks. "We are ready to offer technology for the conversion of conventional drop-down aerial bombs into gliding bombs with correction in the terminal phase which would allow pilots to hit from an altitude of 200 metres the designated target at the distance of up to 15 km without entering into enemy's air defence," Director of Bazalt, Vladimir Korenkov said. Bazalt has also offered India the opportunity to undertake licensed production of the PG-7VR, portable anti-tank grenade launchers capable of piercing the armour of the Ukraine-made T-84 tanks which Pakistan has in its forces. Bazalt will display the PG-7VR at Defence Expo 2002 which is opening in New Delhi on February 19th.

"We are ready to invest in India for setting up joint ventures to develop and produce other smart munitions including a unique PG-29V system for the infantry, which we call a infantry man's individual artillery armed with thermo baric charge which can be mounted on a jeep," Korenkov said. According to the deputy director of Rosoboronexport State Corporation, Viktor Komardin, defence co-operation with India has reached a stage when the focus is shifting to joint R&D and entering into joint ventures for the production of hi-tech weapons and force-multipliers. India's decision to open up defence sector for private investments opens new vistas for Russian investments in Indian defence industry, which would be in accordance with the global tendencies of close trans-national integration and production co-operation, he said.

Deputy Inspector General P.K. Mishra, head of BSF's Manipur & Nagaland Division, along with his forces who flushed out more than 300 militants during a 48-hour gun battle at Henglep near the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur's Churachandpur district on 17 February 2002. The militants tried to disrupt the second phase of Manipur Assembly election. [Image © India Times]

Indo-US military ties unprecedented
(Times of India, 17 February 2002)

Terming the current level of military to military cooperation between India and United States as unprecedented, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) of the US Armed Forces, General Richard B. Myers said a solid military partnership is important for the two nations' common goal of defeating terrorism. General Myers, who began his two-day visit to India on February 17th at the invitation of Defence Minister George Fernandes, said Indo-US military ties were also central to maintaining long-term stability in Asia. Indo-US defence cooperation lead the way in the continuing transformation of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, he said in his arrival statement.

He hoped that his visit would strengthen the series of meetings of the Army and the Navy executive groups, which were held between militaries of Indian and the US during the first week of February. During General Myers' visit, India and the US will get another opportunity to exchange views on security concerns and joint steps to tackle terrorism. General Myers, the second CJCS to visit India in the last one year, has a hectic schedule ahead of him. He is due to meet the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) General S. Padmanabhan, Defence Secretary Yogendra Narayan and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy. General Myers would also hold discussions with National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra and the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral John C. De Silva.

The highlight of General Myers' visit would be presentation made to him on India's security concerns by Chairman of the Integrated Chief of Defence Staff (CIDS), Lt. Gen. Pankaj Joshi. General Myer's visit coincides with the departure of a 10-member high level Indian Air Force delegation headed by Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.G. Inamdar to Hawaii in continuation of the meeting of the Indo-US Executive Steering Air Force Group. The American side at the Hawaii talks would be led by General William J. Berget, US Pacific Air Command Chief. General Myers' visit to New Delhi comes after the two countries resumed meetings of their armed forces level steering groups after almost a five-year freeze.

Troops likely to stay put till June
(Deccan Herald, 17 February 2002)

Much as the US would want to see an early de-escalation of tension in the subcontinent, India is unlikely to pull back the troops from the frontline areas along the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control (LoC) till May-June. The mood in the government is to wait for some firm signal on the ground that Pakistani President, General Pervez Musharraf is on way to taking irreversible steps to roll back the ideology and culture of jehad in his country, according to informed sources in the government. The sources said that India will wait till a visible signature comes from General Musharraf of rolling back the jehad ideology which would be evident on the ground in terms of reduced incidence of infiltration and instances of cross-border terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly when the winter snow melts along the usual infiltration points on the LoC.

The unlikelihood of an early de-mobilisation, according to the sources, implies that the government will maintain the diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, if not try and seek to apply further pressure. The mood is contrary to the feeling of General Musharraf, as well as many in the political circle in the capital, who are expecting that the troops would be called back to their peace time positions soon after the current round of assembly elections. The sources pointed out that it is unlikely that High Commissioner Vijay K. Nambiar would return to Islamabad before he takes up his expected next posting at New York as India's Permanent Representative to the U.N. Mr. Nambiar had been recalled to New Delhi soon after the December 13th terrorist attack in Parliament.

The new incumbent would possibly be a new person, most likely Mr. Harsh Basin, a senior IFS officer who is currently in US on a study leave, if and when the government decides to send an envoy to Pakistan. India is also unlikely to attend a meeting of the SAARC information ministers in Islamabad next month, which in the backdrop of the current situation may not take place at all. The sources also do not rule out a limited strike along the LoC in case Pakistan were to completely disregard the Indian demand for rollback of its policy of cross-border terrorism. Perhaps, for this reason, New Delhi has not only rejected the US plea for de-escalation but also turned down suggestions for a troops' de-alert in their current forward positions. However, at the moment, nobody in official circles perceives there are thick war clouds in the air.

Indeed, General Musharraf's latest assertion in Washington following talks with US President George Bush that Pakistan would not hand over any of the 20 terrorists, fugitives and criminals has left the government wondering whether it could avoid a limited strike before the troops returned to the barracks. It is conceded in government circles that the US administration did not really like the Indian move to submit the list of 20 as it believed that the demand would be too hot for General Musharraf to concede and yet retain his hold over the restive Islamic elements within his establishment. Perhaps, knowing the American mind, he might have gathered enough confidence to rule out even a single deportation to India. The sources believe that the Bush Administration has deliberately avoided seeking the deportation of Sheikh Omar, the prime suspect in the Daniel Pearl kidnap case. For, such a demand upon General Musharraf could only strengthen the Indian case for deportation. FBI agents are known to be interrogating the prime suspect in the Daniel Pearl abduction in Pakistan itself.

Defence exhibition from February 19th
(Deccan Herald, 17 February 2002)

The second defence exhibition that will showcase the latest range of military technologies from countries like USA, UK, Israel. South Africa, Russia and France will be inaugurated in New Delhi by Defence Minister George Fernandes. The four-day exposition is being organised by the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Apart from 18 countries which have confirmed their participation in the show, at least 40 other nations have informed the MoD to send delegations in the exhibition. This is for the second time, the MoD is organising the exhibition which will be accompanied by a two-day business summit. With the government showing interest in opening up defence production to the private sector, the exposition will provide an opportunity to Indian manufacturers for interacting with their foreign counterparts in order to understand why the services preferred foreign-made products ignoring the indigenous one.

The show will be particularly important to the India-South Africa military relationship as at least two senior Ministers will be accompanying the South African contingent. The delegation that includes the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of South Africa too, will discuss issues related to peacekeeping, weapons procurement and terrorism threats. South Africa's one of the major arms manufacturer Denel too is looking for opportunity to enter into a deal with India in the course of the exhibition. The firm that manufactures howitzer gun and ordnance, is ready for a joint development program. The exhibition may add to the CII's initiative of forming an association for defence industries to uplift the standard of Indian defence industry and attract more private participation. Defence Minister Fernandes had many times lamented on the standard of Indian defence production and urged improvement.

News Articles from 16 February 2002 - 01 February 2002