India: Massive war games show deepening India-US ties

[Naveed Yaseen]

NEW DELHI: India and the US began a massive joint military exercise on Monday, underscoring deepening bilateral security ties that they consider crucial in South Asia.

Hundreds of soldiers using heavy transport aircraft and battle tanks are participating in the biggest-ever war games between the two countries which were on the opposing side of the Cold War but now seek to build strategic and military ties. “This exercise is a clever policy for India, a correct thing to do and is clearly part of a larger programme started by both countries to improve relations by shedding old inhibitions,” Naresh Chandra, a former envoy to Washington, said.

The two countries share security concerns on Pakistan and Afghanistan, and India seeks to enlist the US’ support to press Islamabad to tackle terrorism on its soil. “Afghanistan and Pakistan will remain areas of concern for both countries and the US is looking to quarantine the security threat in the region,” said Uday Bhaskar, a strategic analyst. reuters

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