Ralston visit may herald new era in Indo-US defence relationship

India and the United States are embarking on a series of strategic talks to discuss crucial 'maritime and air defence matters' and to improve the service-to-service co-operation in the navy and air force between the two countries.

For the first time in 34 years, a US military officer of the rank of vice-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee will visit India. General Joseph W Ralston (left) will arrive in Delhi for a two day visit on July 16 at the invitation of General Shankar Roychowdhury, India's army chief and the chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.

India attaches great significance to General Ralston's visit. Senior defence ministry and military officials are expected to air India's fears on the US supplying Airborne Early Warning helicopters and P-3C Orion maritime patrol-cum-strike craft to Pakistan.

The last time a high-ranking US military officer like General Ralston visited India was in 1963. General Maxwell Taylor, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff committee, visited India in December 1963 in the aftermath of the Sino-Indian conflict.

Defence ministry officials said General Ralston will also hold talks with the air force and naval chiefs during his visit. He will also call on Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

"There is a growing perception among defence officials in India and the US that both countries should extend maximum co-operation in maritime and air defence matters," a senior defence ministry official told Rediff On The NeT.

One strategic area of discussion with General Ralston, he revealed, would concern the likely purchase of AEW helicopters and P-3C Orion maritime patrol-cum-strike aircraft from the US.

Following Pakistan's purchase of these highly-sophisticated air and maritime equipment from the US, India has been negotiating with Russia to buy Kamov-30 AEW helicopters and Type 877 EKM submarines.

The Indian navy has already informed the defence ministry that armed with long-range Harpoon missiles, Pakistan's P-3C Orion aircraft pose a threat to Indian submarines and ships.

Officials said this will, however, not be "the core issue" to be discussed during General Ralston's visit. The matter of joint training exercises involving Indian military personnel and the US Special Forces will also be discussed.

Last year, a team of Indian commandos and US Special Forces personnel conducted a successful round of exercises in Madhya Pradesh. A similar service-to-service exercise is scheduled to be held in the US later this year.

Defence ministry sources say there is a near unanimity between Indian and US military officials that both countries should improve their defence relationship through strategic negotiations and joint exercises.

The US has already shown its inclination towards generously helping the Indian defence establishment financially. This year, the Pentagon hiked its budgetary allocation for officers of the Indian armed forces under the International Military Education Training to $ 400,000. The US has also earmarked an additional amount of US $ 250,000 under the Extended Relations Programme for Indian military officers. In 1996, the US allocation for IMET for India was $ 350,000.

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