By IANS
New Delhi : For the first time, high-level defence delegations from France, Italy and Colombia are simultaneously visiting India, an indication of the country’s growing clout globally.
French Army chief Gen. Bruno Cuche, Italian Chief of Defence Staff Adm. Giampaolo Di Paolo and Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos will arrive Monday and hold discussions with Defence Minister A.K. Antony and other officials on a broad range of issues.
“The Cuche visit will give the necessary impetus to the on-going defence relationship between India and France and broadbase it further into a mutually beneficial partnership,” a defence ministry release said.
The visit “reconfirms the mutual trust and friendship between the armies of India and France and will provide the necessary fillip to our on-going army-to-army cooperation”, the release added.
During his visit, the French Army chief will interact with senior military and civilian defence officials, discuss defence related issues and prospects for future cooperation between the two armies.
“With common concerns on increased terrorism in the world, discussions on the global and regional security situation, including enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism, are also envisaged,” the release said.
Visits to Indian Army field formations and training institutions in Nagrota, Rajouri, Agra and Pune will be organised during Cuche’s visit.
“India’s army-to-army cooperation with France is progressing very smoothly and comprises numerous joint activities like visits, observers at joint exercises, training and courses, exchanges between experts and equipment procurement,” the release said.
“The activities between our armies in 2007 have shaped very well and the plan for 2008 will be finalised soon between the (two) defence ministries,” it added.
After his arrival Monday morning, Di Paolo will lay a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial to the Unknown Soldier at India Gate.
He will be presented with a Guard of Honour at the defence ministry’s South Block headquarters and later in the day will call on Antony.
A high-level Colombian delegation led by Santos will also call on Antony Monday.