WASHINGTON – India and the US discussed on Monday ways to deepen bilateraldefence cooperation, including joint development of military hardware, andissues relating to technology transfer, officials said.
The issues were discussed at a meeting of the Inter Agency Task Force whichis part of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) between thetwo countries.
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff ViceAdmiral A K Jain and Acting Director of the US’ International CooperationMatthew Warren.
In June 2016, the US had designated India a “Major Defence Partner”,intending to elevate defence trade and technology-sharing with India to alevel commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.
The DTTI was broached by former US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter in2012.
The aim of DTTI is to put sustained leadership focus on bilateral defencetrade relationship and create opportunities for co-production andco-development of defence equipment.
A number of Joint Working Groups spanning varied projects have beenestablished under DTTI that have identified various projects for the ArmedForces.
“The fact that the US has declared India as a major defence partner underthe National Defence Authorisation Act in 2017 has given an impetus to theDTTI,” said a joint statement.
Vice Admiral Jain said India’s defence industry was at a growing stage, andlooking to acquire niche technology in manufacturing weapons and defenceequipment.
The US Co-chair Warren said defence cooperation between the two countriesis continuing to make progress and that both sides understand theimportance of DTTI.