Washington, Oct 20 (HS): On Saturday, ahead of the India-America Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) group meeting held in Delhi next week, the Pentagon said that by the end of this year, the bilateral defence trade between the two sides would be $ 18 billion.
Deputy Minister of Defence Procurement and Certification Ellen M Lord said that the US is committed to strengthening its partnership with India by furthering the relationship and cooperation between the armies of the two countries. He told reporters at the Pentagon that the bilateral defence business, which was at zero in early 2008, is expected to reach $ 18 billion by the end of this year. Lord will co-chair the DTTI meeting to be held here next week.
He said that the US gave India the status of India Strategic Trade Authority Tier1 last year, which gives India as much rights as NATO allies Japan, South Korea and Australia.
The MH60 Romeo Sea-Hawk helicopter currently in the fleet of American Navy is compared to the most sophisticated helicopter in the world. According to defence industry experts, this helicopter can be operated from ships, warships and aircraft carriers etc. This will increase the strength of the Indian Navy. This is urgently needed, especially in view of China’s aggressive attitude in the Indian Ocean region.
