Thursday, May 12 2005 14:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Pakistani Air Force fighters intruded into Indian air space thrice this year (2005) forcing India to take counter measures, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee informed the Lok Sabha today (May 12, 2005).

One incident occurred in January 2005 while two more violations were reported in March; the Minister said in a written reply adding a protest had been lodged through diplomatic channels.

Asked what was India's response, Mukherjee said, "Required air defence measures are initiated depending upon the situation. He, however, did not specify the sectors where the intrusion had taken place.

The Minister informed the House that a Memorandum of Agreement had been signed with the United States for training, research and conducting bilateral workshops in the field of medicine.

"This collaboration will help in expanding and upgrading the knowledge of Indian armed forces medical services, especially in certain frontier areas of medicine," Mukherjee said.

On spate of fire incidents in military ammunition depots during the last three years, the Minister said ammunition worth more than Rs 81 crore was lost at three main depots at Jodhpur, Amla and Pulgoan.

He said as part of new safety measures, services were shifting unserviceable ammunition on priority basis.