India invites Australian Army for special forces exercise

NEW DELHI: Indian and Australian special forces could soon be seen in action together as India reaches out to countries in the Asia Pacific region as part of defence diplomacy.

Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, who is on a visit to Australia, has extended invitation to the Australian Army to participate in the inaugural Joint Special Forces Training Exercise being planned in India in October this year.

The call for deeper ties comes at a time when India is slowly increasing its engagement with countries in the Asia Pacific amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the area.

India had last year decided to make Japan a permanent member of the bilateral naval exercise with the US called Malabar.

The US, which is increasing its military imprint in the region to counter China, has been pushing for a quadrilateral dialogue grouping involving India, Japan, Australia and itself.

During the visit, the Australian Army showcased some of its best facilities and institutions.

The chief visited the Australian School of Military Engineering and was appreciative of the combat engineering skills and professionalism.

He was also briefed on the largest Australian amphibious ship, Adelaide.

Speaking on the sidelines at the Headquarters of Joint Operational Command, Suhag expressed satisfaction at the manner in which defence cooperation between the two countries has progressed.