US, India defence deal likely

New Delhi: During US President Barack Obama’s visit India and the US are also expected to sign their new 10-year defence framework agreement.

The new framework is likely to enhance the bilateral defence partnership by stepping up joint military exercises and through more in-depth intelligence-sharing, maritime security, etc. It will also include a drive against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar had recently pointed out that the focus would not be on procurement but on joint development of technology and technology transfer.

The US is also focusing on the India-US Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), which promotes collaboration in defence technology and enables co-production and co-development of critical defence systems.