News
Friday, March 21, 2008
Indian military exercise close to Pakistan border
POKHARAN: India staged a vast military simulation in the Thar Desert on Wednesday, as observers from 60 countries looked on. The simulation, named “Brazen Chariots,” was conducted in Pokharan, where India conducted underground nuclear tests in 1998. The area is 100 kilometers from Pakistan, but officials said the simulation was not directed at their neighbour. “We are not sending out any message,” said Indian army chief Deepak Kapoor. “It is purely to see what kind of synergy the Indian air force and the army are able to achieve when put together.” Meanwhile, three soldiers were killed and two injured when a 125 millimeter (5 inch) mortar gun exploded, army spokesman Virender Singh confirmed. The army has ordered an inquiry. India has been holding war games with several countries whose representatives were present, including the US and China. Military observers from South Africa, Italy, Germany, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Kenya and Kuwait also watched Wednesday’s exercise. ap
Courtesy Daily Times