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SECRET UK EYES A
have been overshadowed by the political struggle and resultant unrest between the National Liberation Front (NLF) and the Front Islamique du Salut (FIS). Algeria's potential wealth has long marked it out as a possible target for defence sales, and to this end DESO continue to maintain their links in the hope that Algerian interest in naval
in naval and air defence equipment can be brought to fruition.
11.
The country where most progress has been made is Morocco where, despite a lull during the Gulf War, it has been possible to take Defence relations forward in a number of ways. A tradition of SF training has been established and negotiations are well advanced for exercise rights within a large training area and the construction of a range. Likewise, negotiations continue for the signing of an MOU to cover low flying training. A visit by RCDS was cancelled this year but remains a possibility for 1992.
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT
REGIONAL DVELOPMENTS
12.
India perceives herself a major world and regional power, supporting the latter perception by amassing powerful military forces. She seeks parity with the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council and the exclusion of all non-littoral nations from a permanent presence in the Indian Ocean. These regional and global ambitions have become increasingly tempered by a preoccupation with internal instability. The country maintains impressive, well-trained and well-equipped armed forces and nuclear weapons are probably now part of its inventory; certainly, ballistic missiles have been manufactured and tested. The ability and willingness of India to deploy military forces has been demonstrated in the recent past with the despatch of a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka and troops to the Maldives. It is significant to note that Indian military facilities in the Nicobar and Andaman Islands, close to Malaysia and Indonesia, are undergoing intensive development. In sum, most of India's political and military policies appear to have the underlying purpose of contributing to its strategic ambitions, although the present Prime Minister is likely to shy away from coercive diplomacy and the use of military force abroad. Many SE Asian nations continue to believe that any future projection of Indian military power may not necessarily be confined to the Indian Ocean.
13. Pakistan's relations with India are still overshadowed by Kashmir, and despite a less vitriolic public presentation of their views, both countries
both countries remain deeply suspicious of the other's intentions and involvement. The UN plan for resolving the conflict in Afghanistan has received general support, and Pakistan has been in discussion with USSR and Mujahadeen over the remaining difficulties. Pakistan's relations with the US have been damaged by the withdrawal of US economic and military aid following Pakistan's failure to satisfy US Congress on her
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