People's Democracy

Deepening Indo-US Military Ties

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, All India Forward Bloc and Revolutionary Socialist Party issued the following statement on November 3.

IN the wake of the Indo-US defence framework agreement various steps are being taken to deepen military ties between the two countries. A series of joint military exercises and training programmes are being conducted. In September, US army soldiers underwent training at the Jungle Warfare School at Vairengte in Mizoram. This has been followed by joint naval exercises off the West Coast. A joint air forces’ exercise is scheduled to begin on November 7 at Kalaikunda in West Bengal.

Talks are on for a big arms purchase from the United States including F 16 fighter planes. The missile defence cooperation negotiations are also being held. The deepening military collaboration does not augur well for India’s strategic interests and independent foreign policy.

In this context, the Left parties welcome the call given by the Left Front in West Bengal to hold demonstrations on November 7 at Kalaikunda and all other parts of the state. (INN)