NEW DELHI: A fresh effort to kick-start the Indo-US military, relationship now in its infancy has been launched with the Indian Air Force chief S. K. Kaul beginning a 10-day journey to the United States later this week.
Greater interaction between the TAF and the USAF, particularly in the area of training of pilots is expected to be finalized during” Kaul’s visit. India is particularly Keen on an exchange program, as part of their worldwide strategy of closer interaction with friendly forces.
While India is unlikely to go in for any US military equipment, partly because of their prohibitive costs and the problem of assimilation into a largely Soviet-origin armed forces the American interest in the strong Indian defense market has been growing in the aftermath of the collapse of the: Soviet Union.
US Ambassador Frank G. wismer called on the air chief at his South Block office last week to prepare the ground for the latter’s Visit.
IAF sources said that the hour- long meeting was a “positive” follow-up to the Rao-Clinton summit, in May this year. The two leaders had agreed to work for greater cooperation in various, fields.
Kaul who is visiting America at) the invitation of the USAF chief of, staff General Merrill A Mc Peak: will hold discussions with officials in the Pentagon, the US. Defense Department. He will also be visiting the US Pacific Command at Honolulu the US Space Command at Colorado and some: other strategic bases.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 19, 1994
