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| Defense Giants of India and US Image Credit: Google |
India and the
United States have finalized a roadmap for defence industry cooperation, aiming
to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities and strengthen military
ties between the two countries.
The move is
seen as a strategic measure by Washington to counterbalance China's regional
dominance.
Roadmap
Finalized in High-Level Meeting:
The roadmap was
agreed upon during a meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
The timing is
significant, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Washington
later this month for discussions with President Joe Biden.
Modi is also
expected to deliver a speech at US Congress.
Focus on
Industrial Cooperation:
According to Indian
Defence Ministry, the talks between Singh and Austin had a particular emphasis
on:
- Identifying ways to strengthen industrial cooperation.
- Exploring opportunities for co-development of new technologies,
- Co-production of existing and new systems, and
- Collaboration between defence start-up ecosystems.
Reducing
Dependence and Increasing Diversification:
India, being
the world's largest arms importer, heavily relies on Russia for about half of
its military supplies.
However, in
recent years, India has been diversifying its sources and increasing its
purchases from countries like the US, France, and Israel.
The aim is to
reduce dependence on a single supplier and encourage global defence
manufacturers to partner with Indian companies for local consumption and
exports.
Strategic
Procurement Plans:
India's
procurement plans include the purchase of 18 high-altitude, long-endurance
armed drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc, estimated at $1.5
billion to $2 billion.
These drones
are expected to be deployed along India's borders with China and Pakistan, as
well as in the Indian Ocean region for strategic purposes.
Discussion on
Joint Production and Manufacture:
Recent
discussions in Washington at a meeting of the US-India Defence Policy Group
also touched upon joint production and manufacture of:
- Combat aircraft engines,
- Infantry combat vehicles,
- Howitzers, and
- Precision ordnance.
These
collaborative efforts aim to enhance India's self-reliance in defence production.
Rising US-India
Defence Trade:
US defence
trade with India has experienced significant growth, increasing from negligible
levels in 2008 to surpassing $20 billion in 2020.
India's
purchases from the US have included:
- Long-range maritime patrol aircraft,
- C-130 transport aircraft,
- Missiles, and
- Combat and General Drones.
Strengthening
Bilateral Defence Ties:
The
finalization of the roadmap for defence industrial cooperation reflects the
intent of both countries to strengthen their bilateral defence ties.
By boosting defence
manufacturing capabilities and fostering technological collaboration, India and
the US aim to enhance their strategic partnership and address regional security
challenges effectively.
(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)
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