Indian air chief for Malaysia to promote military ties

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Monday left for Malaysia on a four-day visit for talks with military leaders to boost defence ties between the two nations.

In Kuala Lumpur, Browne will meet Malaysian Chief of Defence Force General Zulkifeli bin Mohammed Zin and Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force, General Rodzali bin Daud.

He will 'discuss a wide range of bilateral issues on defence co-operation', a defence spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his October 2011 Kuala Lumpur visit, signed a framework agreement with his Malaysian counterpart Najeeb Razak on promoting military ties.

The two leaders agreed to do that through regular exchanges of defence ministers and military officials.

IAF pilots and technicians have in the past trained Malaysian pilots, weapon system operators and maintenance staff in their newly acquired Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fighter aircraft.

They also helped them set up a systems school for the Su-30 MKM at Gong Kedak Air Base.

The air chief will be visiting Gong Kedak and Subang Airbases to hold talks on issues including professional exchanges, Su-30 training, courses, maintenance and logistic issues, the spokesperson said.