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Air, navy, army commanders meet in Delhi

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

Senior commanders of the army, the air force and the navy are meeting in New Delhi separately in a series of biennial conferences where several important issues are listed for discussion.

The meetings, which would last for almost a week, would discuss the post-Kargil scenario, along with the challenges of arming the defence forces with nuclear weapons.

According to sources, the army commanders are discussing the post-Kargil deployment of troops, new terrorist challenges in the valley and North-East, and promotions of senior officers.

The air force would be looking at the added air force assistance to the army in post-Kargil period and its dismal flying safety records among other issues. The navy is discussing new acquisitions, induction of nuclear weapons and war doctrine for the next millennium.

Defence Minister George Fernandes today inaugurated the naval conference at the Sena Bhawan. He congratulated the navy for bringing the Kargil conflict to an ''early end,'' and acknowledged its concerted efforts in bringing relief to the victims of the super cyclone in Orissa.

The minister pointed out that it was the navy which arrived first at the devastated Paradip port, and that the anticipatory action take by it was much appreciated by the local population.

Fernandes also lauded the navy's role in the seizure of the hijacked ship 'Alandra Rainbow'. According to a naval spokesman, the minister said that the hot pursuit and capture of the ship by the navy and the Coast Guard had been internationally appreciated.

He underscored the importance of the security of the Sea Lanes of Communication in the Indian Ocean as also the protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone. The minister pointed out that as "our neighbourhood is hostile, littoral states around us with whom we have good relations, will gather confidence with the Indian Navy's presence in the region."

The navy commanders, sources said, would discuss navy's programmes, structures and war fighting doctrines for the next millennium. "The thrust areas of discussions are likely to be planned acquisitions and emerging challenges to harness advanced technologies," said a senior officer. The navy is all set to acquire important force multipliers in not too distant a future, the headquarters said.

Among other issues that the navy top brass is looking into are the maritime facilities, including the strategic naval base at Karwar and naval academy in Ezhimala.

The commanders and principal staff officers of the Indian Army also started their conference this morning at the Kashmere House, New Delhi.

Army Chief General V P Malik inaugurated the conference which is looking into the post-Kargil scenario, and the increased troop presence along the Line of Control, especially in Kargil sector among other issues.

The army commanders are also discussing the possible impact of the military rule in Pakistan.

The air force chief Air Chief Marshal AY Tipnis inaugurated the five-day conference of the air force commanders at the air headquarters, Vayu Bhawan. He pointed out that air power had played a decisive role in the Kargil operations and subsequently the air force had taken on the responsibility of air maintenance to support the army posts. The substantial increase in the air support in the aid of army has been undertaken in a very positive manner.

The shooting down of the Pakistani aircraft the Atlantic was a turning point, the air chief said, adding that it had "sent a clear signal to the adversary not to attempt any aggressive misadventure."

He said the IAF response to the Orissa cyclone was swift and it was responsible for providing succour even in the most remote areas.

He called for the continuous upgradation of the IAF's training programmes and systems for improving the "physical and mental toughening for all personnel to face the challenges in the next millennium."

The air chief told the commanders that the IAF's present flight safety record was a "cause for concern", and directed them to take a series of steps to bring the accident rate down. He expressed confidence that the induction of the Advanced Jet Trainers would take place very soon.

The Prime Minister is slated to address a combined meet of the commanders of the three services on Wednesday at South Block.

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