British Defence Secretary John Reid today pointed to new avenues of bilateral cooperation between New Delhi and London—on dealing with proliferation threats and the spread of terrorism.Reid is on a three-day visit here, apparently to discuss the possibility of expanded strategic relations that will govern security ties and exchanges over the next five years. Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt had visited London late last month.‘‘India is an important partner for the UK to deal with international security challenges that face us today,’’ he said.Defence Ministry sources pointed to imminent agreements on high-level defence exchanges, a platform for ‘‘stock-taking’’ on military doctrinal issues, joint exercises and training exchanges. An immediate manifestation of Indo-UK defence relations is the Rs 7,000-crore contract with British Aerospace to supply the IAF with 66 Hawk advanced jet trainers. A team of IAF pilots is currently being trained by the Royal Air Force in the UK.Earlier this year, British Aerospace also bought over Swedish artillery firm, Bofors Defence, currently involved in a tender process to supply the country with large numbers of Howitzer guns. ‘‘The armed forces of both India and UK pride themselves on excellence. The increase in number of joint exercises and training opportunities will only serve to strengthen the relationship further,’’ Reid said.
