Govt working for 'withdrawal' of IAF choppers on UN duty

The ministry of external affairs is working with the defence ministry and the UN authorities for "phased withdrawal" of India Air Force
helicopters engaged in peacekeeping operations.

Observing that the defence ministry had raised the issue of withdrawal of its helicopters from the UN operations with the MEA, foreign secretary Nirupama Rao today said the ministry was in touch with India's permanent mission to the UN in New York and officials of the global body for the "phased withdrawal".

Amid proposals for using helicopters for movement of paramilitary forces during anti-Naxal operations, the IAF has suggested to the government that its 15 choppers deputed for UN peacekeeping missions in three African countries may be called back as it has constraints of resources.