RE:more exercises - threat to China
by Transformers on Sep 07, 2007 09:09 PM
In recent years New Delhi has intensified its pace of co-operation with countries in the Indian Ocean littoral.After the success of its tsunami diplomacy,New Delhi is looking forward to evolve new channels of naval diplomacy with these countries.During the last one year, the just retired Indian Navy chief, Admiral Arun Prakash, visited many South East Asian and South Asian capitals.The primary aims of these visits were to enhance bilateral co-operation and strengthen naval ties.Two Indian warships currently on overseas deployment made friendly port calls in Bangladesh and Myanmar.During Arun Prakash's visit to Bangladesh, the two navies discussed possibilities of connecting Vishakapatnam and Chittagong ports.An access agreement with Dhaka, to be part of the Navys recommendations to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, would allw more extensive patrolling, both sea borne and from air,in these sensitive waters. It will also recommend to the Government to make an offer to Dhaka for allowing Indian naval vessels to maintain some Bangladeshi ports, so as to compete with Beijing's strategic gains in that sector.(China signed a training and equipment agreement with Dhaka earlier this year.)Based on the Ministry of External Affairs' response, follow-up discussions wll be firmed up with Dhaka. Sch initiatives highlight the deeper understndng in South Block on the need to improve naval ties with its closest eastern neighbours to counter Chinse influence in the eastrn Indian Ocean
