Crossfire War – TEHRAN WATCH – Global Theatre: New Delhi – Washington – Tokyo/Pyongyang – Tehran – Beijing; India – US Increase Naval Cooperation in Attempt to Intercept WMD on High Seas
Night Watch: NEW DELHI – In an attempt to increase the effectiveness of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Washington is encouraging New Delhi to play a more active role in the search and interception of weapons of mass destruction on the high seas, in other words exports from North Korea – China and their shipment of WMD to Iran and other Islamic militaries. [IRNA]
The military cooperation between Washington and New Delhi increased after 9/11 and altered the U. S. policy of sanctions on India’s military that were imposed after India conducted its nuclear tests in 1998 forcing Pakistan to respond in kind. In the meantime it was no secret that exports from North Korea and China of nuclear – missile technology to Iran were continuing with no attempt to prevent them. In light of the failed negotiations between Tehran and the EU-UN to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program coupled with the current news of North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests, Washington has decided to increase its military cooperation with New Delhi to expand its operating base in the region and increase its chances of intercepting future exports from Pyongyang and Beijing.
It was on November 26, 2005 crossfirewar.com reported, based on news from Spiegel magazine quoting western intelligence sources, that Tehran offered Pyongyang free oil and gas in exchange for continued shipments of nuclear and missile technology. The basis of Iran’s ballistic missile program the Shahab revolves around North Korean exports. Current news obviously indicates Pyongyang accepted Tehran’s offer which could mean Tehran is underwriting more of Pyongyang’s budget than even Beijing. Pyongyang intends to maintain that massive economic contact at all costs.
The extent of the increased naval cooperation between the Pentagon and New Delhi is an extension of the Malabar naval exercises that have been routinely held between the two Allies. New Delhi’s agreement to enhance the cooperation to this new level indicates that at least some of the officials in India’s government realize Tehran intends to launch some of their missiles at India in support of Pakistan, therefore whatever can be intercepted will increase India’s own security. Indian pilots are now being trained at the U. S. Navy Training Command at Pensacola, Florida in the use of the Russian fighter MiG – 29K for operation off India’s aircraft carrier the INS Vikramaditya. The Pentagon has also decided to increase sales to India of helicopters and aircraft that are used in maritime surveillance.
New Delhi now joins the growing list of capitals, such as Tokyo, that are active participants in the PSI.
www.crossfirewar.com
