India is keen to conduct joint exercise with China, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik said amid growing tensions between the two neighbours over the visit of the Dalai Lama to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

"We are keen to do joint exercise with China and also with other nations. We have already done with the US, UK, France and few other nations," Naik told reporters at the Maharajpur Air Force Base when asked whether India is ready to do joint exercise with China.

When asked about reports of China restarting its closed airports situated close to the border, he merely said "we have a long-term plan and we do things according to our needs."

Beijing has strongly objected to the Dalai Lama's visit and in recent days it has stepped up rhetoric claiming Tawang and whole of Arunachal as part of China.

On the issue of President Pratibha Patil's proposed sortie in the Sukhoi fighter plane, he said that it would help in motivating and preparing lady fighter pilots in the country.

The Air Chief Marshal arrived in Gwalior on the occasion of Presidential visit to the Air Force Maharajpura base to award Standards to 47 Squadron.