The Hindu : National : Antony: country’s security will not be compromised

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Monday, Sep 10, 2007
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Antony: country’s security will not be compromised

Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA: Reacting to the Left’s criticism of the multi-national naval exercise that ended on Sunday, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Sunday said the country’s security or foreign policy would not be compromised by the drill, which was not a new affair.

Addressing a two-day study camp organised by the Congress here, Mr. Antony said such exercises with countries, including the United States, began way back in 1992 in the Arabian Sea near the Kochi coast. There was a short break when the U.S. kept aloof after the Pokhran tests.

“These drills are aimed at creating a mutual understanding among the armed forces of the country and others. They were conducted by all previous governments. They are not part of any military alignment. They are aimed at making effective combined efforts during situations of urgency or natural calamities,” he said.

The Minister said Army Chief Gen. J. J. Singh would head for Russia on September 16 to witness a major anti-terror exercise between the two countries. He also pointed out that India’s first-ever joint military exercise with the Chinese Army would begin in November.

“These are only opportunities for us to get closer and to get to know them. These exercises will not in any way compromise the country’s security or its independent foreign policy,” he said.

The Left or other parties had no role in formulating India’s independent foreign policy, which was shaped by the Congress during Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s rule. This policy was one of India’s biggest contributions to the world. “We know how to carry it forward.”

On the uproar over the nuclear deal with the U.S., he said India’s interests were not and would not be sacrificed at any stage of the deal. Nuclear power would be used only for peaceful purposes, including for growth of the agricultural, economic, science and technology sectors. Nuclear strength was necessary for the country’s development, especially when trends showed that the axis of global power would shift to Asia from the West and the U.S. by 2020.

“The deal with the U.S. has been carefully studied and discussed at each stage, and it will continue in that way only. The government is ready to talk and dispel any doubts the Left or others have about this deal at every stage.

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