'AMAN-17' Int'l naval exercise begins in Pakistan

The multinational naval exercise, organised by the Pakistan Navy, AMAN-17 begins on Friday in the Arabia Sea.

Navies of the participating 37 countries, including Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and Russia were given a warm welcome by senior officials of the Pakistan navy.

Planned by the Pakistan Navy, AMAN drills are held every alternate year since 2007. The navy drill aims to demonstrate united resolve in the fight against terrorism and maritime threats.

Themed 'together for peace", it will be a platform for the participating navies to polish their skills and build cooperation and friendship to promote peace and stability in the region.

Ships, aircrafts, helicopters, special operations forces, Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD), marine teams and observers navies will be present at the event.

India calls it normal

The Indian Navy, unmoved by India's current political doctrine of isolating Pakistan, downplayed apprehensions over the naval exercises, reports said, terming it as a "normal maritime activity" every nation was entitled to.

"This is an exercise hosted by Pakistanis once in two years. And 16 nations are taking part in it. It is a normal maritime activity any nation is entitled to," Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff, told reporters at the sidelines of a conference organised by the National Maritime Foundation, according to Press Trust of India.

A senior US naval officer was recently quoted as saying in India that it was routine for American and Indian navies to jointly track Chinese submarines in the Arabian Sea region.