US, India to stage wargames
 
NEW DELHI—The Indian airforce will for the first time take part in multinational aerial war games in the United States, billed as the world’s toughest, the defence minister said Monday.
The approval came despite stiff opposition from Communist parties to India’s participation in the annual event, codenamed “Red Flag.” Minister A.K. Antony said it was a rare chance for the Indian Air Force to team up with Western counterparts.
The event will be staged next January with participants drawn from North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members and other US military allies. The approval came a month after the military sought a cabinet clearance to participate in the six-week event, scheduled to be held near Las Vegas.
Although the air force has participated in numerous US-led war games, it would be the first time it took part in the Red Flag fixture. India’s participation is a sensitive topic as Communist allies of the ruling Congress coalition complain that traditionally non-aligned India is drawing too close to the United States.—Agencies