Guest guest Posted November 11, 2001 Report Share Posted November 11, 2001 India to consider fresh military help sought by US Reuters New Delhi, November 11 ---- ---------- Defence Minister George Fernandes said on Sunday the United States had sought military assistance from New Delhi to help its ongoing assault against Afghanistan in retaliation for the September 11 attacks. A decision on the request would be taken next week after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee returns from his visit to Washington and the United Nations, he said. The minister's statement, in an interview with local TV news channel Aaj Tak, came a day after India and the United States dismissed a magazine report which said they had considered a major long-term military alliance. "They have made some proposals that involve their navy...(use of) our air bases and such things," Fernandes said. "We have made it clear there is no question of overtly involving our army (in Afghanistan). "But other than providing direct battle support we can provide them with whatever else is within our means and these issues have been discussed," Fernandes said. He said Washington had not sought protection for US oil tankers in the Indian Ocean region -- as reported by India Today magazine -- but wants the Indian navy to keep a watch over US ships when they pass through the Straits of Malacca which separates Malaysia and Indonesia. "These things have to be discussed and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security," Fernandes said and added a decision would be taken after Vajpayee's return on Tuesday. US Embassy officials in New Delhi were not available to comment on the minister's statements. India and the United States, on opposite sides of the Cold War, do not have a formal military alliance. But ties between the two countries have considerably warmed up in the last two years and India was one of the first countries to throw its weight behind Washington in its war against terrorism. India also offered, despite domestic criticism, use of its military facilities by US forces during their assault on Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the September 11 hijack attacks is holed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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