NEW DELHI, May 14: The largest ever Indo-US military manoeuvres currently being conducted in Agra reflect a growing strategic cooperation between the two countries, a visiting US official said on Tuesday.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca told a conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry that the “most topical area” of the emerging Indo-US partnership related to military-to-military relations.

“The specific goal of the military exercise is to conduct joint parachute training and mutual familiarisation with small arms,” said Rocca.

“But the larger, long-term goal is much more ambitious and is based on strategic, diplomatic and political cooperation as well as sound economic ties. Indian and US military forces are now actively developing the capability to work together effectively. I anticipate more exercises to follow Agra.”

American special operations forces and India paratroopers began their their first war games in 39 years on May 11.

The air-backed exercises, near the Taj Mahal in a facility where India’s military trains its elite para commandos, will continue for two weeks.—AFP