Washington (NVI): Sounding a positive note ahead of 9th India-US Defence Technologies and Defence Initiative (DTTI) group meeting in New Delhi next week, US Department of Defence has enthused confidence that bilateral defence trade between the two countries will touch an estimated $18 billion by this year-end.
“The United States is committed to strengthening its partnership with India while furthering military-to-military relationships and cooperation. Bilateral defense trade, essentially zero in 2008, will reach an estimated $18 billion later this year,” Undersecretary of Defense For Acquisition And Sustainment Ellen M. Lord told reporters here on October 18.
“Next week I head to New Delhi to co-chair the Ninth India-U.S. Defense Technologies and Trade Initiative, or DTTI, group meeting with my co-chair, secretary for defense protection, Mr. (Apurva) Chandra. As the U.S. Department of Defense lead for DTTI, I’m excited to continue working with our Indian major defense partner,” she said.
The U.S. government granted India Strategic Trade Authority Tier 1 designation last August, providing India with greater supply-chain efficiency by allowing US companies to export a greater range of dual-use and high-technology items to India under streamlined processes. This grants India the same authorisation as NATO allies Japan, South Korea and Australia. All of these examples show how the United States and India are working bilaterally and in cooperation with other like-minded partners to advance our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific.
“I personally have seen an uptick in the pace of movement in India, the willing to — willingness to engage, and we truly are developing some new capabilities together for production in India, as well as to be produced here,” she added.
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