ALAPPUZHA: The strategic relationship between the navies of India and the United Kingdom will acquire a new dimension in the coming days with the two navies deciding to conduct more joint exercises and mutual visit of warships in the coming days, chief of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom Admiral Sir Jonathon Band has said.

Speaking to reporters onboard a houseboat at Alappuzha, Sir Band said the recently concluded joint exercise by Indian and British navies at Mumbai was a great success. He said he had held discussions on strengthening and extending the cooperation between the two navies with the top brass of the Indian Navy and the discussions were a great success.

Sir Band said both the navies needed to hold joint operations in the future to give more strategic depth to the relationship. Lauding the modernisation programme of the Indian Navy, he said the Indian Navy needed such a programme in view of the country emerging as a powerful nation. The Indian Navy is a very professional one and the acquisition of aircraft carriers would definitely strengthen the striking capacity of the Indian Navy, Sir Band said.

Sir Band said the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were extending all out support for strengthening the relationships between the two navies.

Commenting on the life standards in Kerala, Sir Band said he was amazed by the presence of a large number of schools in the State. He said the people of the State looked very contented and pleasant and there was a peaceful atmosphere in the State. The backwaters and the greenery of the State are simply marvellous, opined Sir Band.

He said he also visited a traditional toddy shop of the state.

Sir Band along with his wife boarded the Rainbow Cruises around 11 a.m. at Alappuzha. He was received in the boat by Jose Mathew, managing director of the cruises and directors Jojy Mathew and Cijo Alex. Sir Band and his team cruised through Kuttanad for about four hours. Sir Band was accompanied by his wife Sarah Band. The commanding officer of INS Venduruthy, Commodore Abraham Lukose also accompanied Sir Band.

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