India, US ink new 10-year defence framework accord
4 Jun 2015 12:32 AM GMT
The agreement, which was decided during the visit of US President Barack Obama to India in January and focuses on issues ranging from maritime security, aircraft carrier to jet engine technology cooperation, was inked by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and visiting US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter.
The signing of the agreement comes as the two countries moved ahead on two of the four “pathfinder projects” identified under the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) during Obama’s visit.
Carter is reported to have told journalists travelling with him that one of the projects is the development of a high-tech mobile power source for the Marine Corps that would work on solar energy, be smaller, more portable and efficient, and which could be used in remote outposts.
The other is a protective suit for the Indian Army that would be more lightweight and effective when used in chemical and biological hazard incidents.
Carter also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and discussed ways to enhance <g data-gr-id="27">strategic</g> and defence interest.
Parrikar had earlier in the day said, “There are very positive things happening.”
“As far as DTTI is concerned, many things are coming closer. I think two or three issues may be sorted out, not necessarily today but in a couple of weeks. They are very close to finalisation,” he
said.
During Obama’s visit, both countries had identified four “pathfinder projects” as well as decided to explore <g data-gr-id="26">development</g> of aircraft carrier technologies and jet engines.
US encouraging its companies to set up units in India: Carter
Describing India as an "important strategic partner", the US on Wednesday said it was encouraging its companies to set up manufacturing units in India with <g data-gr-id="47">transfer</g> of technology. This was stated by US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. During the meeting, the Prime Minister said the two Summit meetings between him and US President Barack Obama over the past year have provided new energy and momentum to the bilateral relations, a PMO statement said. Modi expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the decisions taken during these Summit meetings.
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