Indian Navy to conduct exercises with six nations including Burma ( Hindustan Times ) February 1, 2003

Indian Navy to conduct exercises with six nations including Burma

Source : The Hindunistan Times

Port Blair, February 1

Naval commanders from seven nations will gather in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands this month to review regional security issues, including piracy and safety of busy waterways in the Indian Ocean.

Warships from Australia, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Singapore, besides India, will participate in "Milan 2003", to be held here during February 11-15, military officials said.

"The meet will be a common meeting ground for navies of the participating countries to address strategic issues against the backdrop of the fast changing security scenario of South Asia and Southeastern Asia," said an official.

The Indian Navy has been hosting the "Milan" (Confluence) meetings since the early 1990s as part of its efforts to foster closer cooperation with navies of countries in the Indian Ocean region.

India's first joint military command at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal that comprises the army, navy, air force and Coast Guard will host the event.

Among the issues likely to be taken up at this year's meeting are piracy in the waters off Indonesia's Aceh region, said to be a hotspot of modern day piracy where ships are often hijacked by pirates using high-speed boats.

The naval commanders will also discuss the safety of maritime traffic across the Malacca Straits, one of the world's busiest sea trade lanes of the world.

Indian commanders are likely to discuss ways to prevent incursions by foreign poachers, especially those from Southeast Asia, with their counterparts from the other navies.

The terrorist strike at Bali and reports of the Al Qaida having links with groups in the Southeast Asian region has led to rethinking of strategies among Indian military officials and MILAN 2003 is being seen as a step in that direction.

A maritime seminar will be held on February 12 and the warships will conduct a joint exercise before dispersing on February 15.

An 'International City Parade' will also be held on February 14 along the Marina Park Road, a picturesque stretch of curving road overlooking the southern entrance to Port Blair harbour with the North Point lighthouse in the backdrop.

All participating countries are expected to field one platoon for this event. The parade will culminate with a flypast by Indian Naval aircraft and a performance by a naval band.

"Milan 2003 will be like a carnival so that ordinary people can find out more about the defence services. Apart from this Milan is in tune with India's 'Look East Policy' aimed for increased ties with South Asia through mutual cooperation in different areas," said an Indian Navy official.