Zurich: Switzerland, which recently became a member of the United Nations, has decided to place a Defence attaché in its Embassy in New Delhi as the two governments on August 31 decided to expand co-operation in military and economic fields.

The decision to post a Defence attaché to India was taken after wide-ranging talks between visiting Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes and his Swiss counterpart Samual Schimdt.

An official announcement after an almost 65-minute meeting said the two sides had discussed issues of mutual interest as well as ways and means to expand military-to - military co-operation.

India is keen to send Army personnel for training in Swiss Army Alpine schools for avalanche rescue and advanced skiing training, especially for troops bound for Siachen glacier, dubbed the world's highest battlefield.

New Delhi is also keen to import Swiss high altitude down specialised clothing and Reindeer boots for the troops posted in extreme high altitude areas.

Earlier, Fernandes rounding off his four-day visit offered India as the venue for the next International Conference on Federalism to be held in 2005.

The Defence Minister made the offer while addressing the valedictory session of this year's international conference on Federalism on August 30 at St Gallen.

PTI