Wednesday, August 10 2005 18:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: There has been an increase in cross border infiltration during June and July and a rise in militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir in the last few months, the Rajya Sabha was informed today (Aug 10, 2005).

Army has been successful in eliminating a large number of infiltration bids in the state in June and July killing several militants during these bids, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a written reply.

On the rising militant activities in the State, he said Government is monitoring the situation closely, and has made it clear to Pakistan that the premise on which the present dialogue process is continuing is based on the commitment of January 6, 2004 by Pakistan not to permit any territory under its control to be used to support terrorism in any manner, he said.

Indo-US: There was an informal suggestion from the United States to post Indian military officers at its Central Command and Pacific Command headquarters in order to promote closer military relations and cooperation, Mukherjee said.

Though the Government has not received such a proposal formally or responded to it, a stronger interaction between the Office of Defence Attaches in Indian Embassy in Washington with US Military Commands and Service headquarters in general, was agreed to during his recent visit to US, he said.

Exercises: The Indian Navy is scheduled to carry out bilateral exercises with the US, French and Russian navies during September-November 2005, he said adding nuclear powered submarines of the US and French Navy and the aircraft carrier of the US Navy are likely to be part of their forces in these exercises.

DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has undertaken a programme for satellite-based surveillance and reconnaissance (SBS) on ground, the Defence Minister said.

He said the programme was in an advanced stage of development and is planned to be completed by January 2007.

Submarines: Placement of orders for construction of submarines at Mazgaon Dock Limited is under consideration of the Government and the matter is at an advanced stage of negotiations, Mukherjee said.

Kargil: A total of 25 cases regarding defence purchases made during 'Operation Vijay' have been referred to the CBI for investigation and it was for the agency to decide by what time they would be able to complete the probe.

Imports: Arms and ammunition worth Rs 3065.53 crore were contracted with overseas suppliers during the last three years for the Armed Forces, he said.

Denel: In the light of certain reports about alleged payment of agency commission by M/S Denel, South Africa for facilitating contracts, a decision has been taken to initiate action to cancel all contracts entered into with it, he said.

Drug: Defence Agriculture Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh, a DRDO laboratory, has developed a herbal medicine for Leucoderma, Mukherjee said.

Israel: Contracts worth Rs 11,882.54 crore have been concluded with Israeli companies during last three years for purchase of military hardware, equipment and ammunition, he said adding a contract for procurement of 5.56mm assault rifles along with certain accessories was signed by the Defence Ministry with an Israeli company at a total cost of $18,074,634, the Minister said.