New Delhi expands defence diplomacy

Smita Sharma 
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 21

India is expanding its Maritime Domain Awareness and offering the Coastal Surveillance Radar Technology to several countries as it increases its defence diplomacy. 

The radar surveillance that was conceived post the 2008 Mumbai attacks to strengthen coastal security through electronically transmitted data and integrated stations has been now offered to some additional 30 countries, of which nearly 12 have inked agreements and it is under active implementation in some 10 countries. 

According to sources, India is now close to commissioning the chain of stations in the island nation of Maldives. 

Discussions are also underway with Bangladesh and at an advanced stage with Myanmar, which is acquiring military equipments too from India, sources added.  Defence sources added that military engagements have increased significantly with West Asian countries. 

The UAE is looking to India as a potential source of defence equipments with some key contracts signed, while India is exploring possibility of a first ever joint army exercise with Egypt.