NEW DELHI — India and Saudi Arabia are enhancing their strategic partnership to improve defense ties. The two countries are also sketching out plans to conduct joint naval and military exercises to increase maritime cooperation and sharpen their defensive and offensive capabilities, a top diplomatic source tells Aviation Week.

The implementation of India’s new airport ground-handling policy has once again hit a roadblock after privately held airlines defied the government’s plan, which is intended to improve security and the quality of service at major airports. The new system was scheduled to go into effect Friday, April 1, but has been delayed due to resistance from airlines and labor providers.

An Indian government panel is backing a relief proposal from cash-strapped national carrier Air India that could save the airline up to Rs. 4 billion ($90 million) annually in interest on its debt, a senior official at the civil aviation ministry said.