New Delhi, October 06, 2007 (PTI)

India wants to join multinational wargames in the United States, billed as the world's toughest aerial drill, officials said on Saturday.

The event, codenamed "Red Flag," will be staged next January with participants drawn from NATO members and other US military allies.

"We have bid to take part in the exercises in 2008, which are the most sought after by air forces the world over," Indian Airforce chief Fali Homi Major said.

Major said the Indian airforce had asked for cabinet clearance to participate in the six-week event, scheduled to be held near Las Vegas.

The issue of the country taking part in US military drills is a controversial topic as communist allies of the ruling Congress coalition say that traditionally non-aligned India is drawing too close to the United States.

The communists are pushing New Delhi to opt out of a landmark civilian nuclear deal with the United States and have threatened to bring down the Indian government if it proceeds with the agreement.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony tried to pre-empt objections to India's participation in the exercise, in which combat aircraft engage in mock dogfights using live ammunition.

"There's nothing new in holding or participating in such exercises as it gives an opportunity to the country's forces to get acquainted with advanced technology, weapons system and platform," Antony said.

"India has participated in multinational exercises in the past with the US, France and Singapore and we will be holding joint exercises with China in the future," Antony added.

Western diplomats based in New Delhi said India was certain to receive approval from the US hosts of the Red Flag manoeuvres to take part.

Although the Indian airforce has participated in numerous US-led wargames, it would be the first time it took part in the Red Flag drill.

"The success last month of Operation Malabar was a historic milestone in the military partnerships between India and the US and they would like to take it a step further," one diplomat said.

The six-day naval drill was marked by bitter protests by Indian communist parties, which labelled the Malabar exercise a symbol of "American hegemony."

The Indian Ocean exercise marked a step change in relations between the Indian and US militaries, whose relations were marked by mistrust during the Cold War.

The two nations now say there is a need for global cooperation to stamp out rising extremism.

"Red Flag will take India even closer to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) countries besides offering greater business opportunities for Western armament companies in India," the diplomat said.

Lockheed Martin and Boeing of the US are in a fierce dogfight with Russia's Mikoyan Bureau, Eurofighter, French Dassault and Sweden's Saab to grab a deal to sell 126 warjets to the Indian airforce.