Washington: Indo-US military-to-military dialogue is "developing day by day" and both sides are now gearing up for the largest-ever joint naval exercises scheduled to begin later this month, according to India's Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Madhvendra Singh.

Addressing a press conference on September 17, Admiral Singh said the chapter of US sanctions was over with the release last month of spare parts for the Indian Navy's Sea King helicopters, and both sides are now preparing for joint naval exercises, likely to be participated by four to five thousand personnel, off Cochin from September 28.

He however, clearly stated that he saw no role for the Indian Navy, which is jointly patrolling the Straits of Malacca as part of the joint operations against piracy, in the wake of a possible US attack on Iraq.

He also said that the Indian Navy is not involved in intercepting any ships carrying al-Qaida suspects.

However, when asked whether India would be ready if Pakistan launches an attack on India, Admiral Singh said, "We are always ready."

PTI