No joint patrols with foreign navies for India: Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said India does not carry out any joint patrol with foreign navies, though there are coordinated patrols.

In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Parrikar said there have been no talks with the United States on carrying out any joint patrols.

"Government takes all measures to ensure our maritime security. However, at present, these measures do not include joint patrolling with foreign navies, including United States," Parrikar said.

"No talks have been held with United States on conduct of any joint naval patrols. Further, Indian Navy has never carried out joint patrols with another country," the minister said.

He said Indian Navy conducts Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) with Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

There is no change in the policy of the government of joining an international military effort only under the United Nations flag, Parrikar said.

In February this year, there were reports of India and the US agreeing to conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea, which has been a centre of dispute involving both island and maritime claims. India had soon thereafter denied carrying out any joint patrols.