Notwithstanding the Left parties' opposition to growing Indo-US strategic ties, the government on Saturday ruled out halting defence interactions with America, but expressed willingness to accommodate the "concerns and caution" suggested by the allies supporting from outside.
Defence Minister A K Antony emphasised the upcoming five-nation naval wargames, which will include the US, were not aimed at any third country, but to help Indian forces enhance their fighting capabilities.
"There can't be any rollback in military interactions with the US and other nations," Antony said after witnessing breathtaking maneuvres by frontline fighters of the Indian Air Force at the airbase in Gwalior.
"These series of exercises are not only with the US, but other nations like Russia, France and UK and are equipping our forces to absorb high-end weapons technology as well as boosting their fighting capabilities," the defence minister said.
At the same time, Antony said due attention would be given to concerns and caution voiced by the government's Left allies, while formulating such interactions with foreign militaries.
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