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Top government sources told CNN-News18 that the approach will allow India to acquire critical technologies while also promoting domestic manufacturing
Sources said India’s NSA Ajit Doval will focus on Make in India and ensure that the government’s ambitious project is unaffected. (AP)
The National Security Advisor (NSA)-level talks in Washington will focus on defence ties between both the countries while giving Indian interest “top-most priority”, top government sources have told CNN-News18.
“The idea is to strengthen Make in India with new technologies. The Indian side is keen to buy technology which can serve Make in India. Major deals are expected during this which will be beneficial for India in the long run and satisfy the joint manufacturing push by Donald Trump,” they said.
The sources said India’s NSA Ajit Doval in his meeting with his counterpart will focus on Make in India and ensure that the government’s ambitious project is unaffected.
“Doval will focus on transfer of technology, which will be crucial for India’s defence manufacturing sector. India wants to develop its own capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign imports. Doval will likely emphasise the importance of co-development and co-production of defence technologies with the US,” the sources added.
This approach will allow India to acquire critical technologies while also promoting domestic manufacturing.
“India will aim to acquire advanced fighter-jet engines from the US to help its own fifth-generation fighter jets. The US has been offering India its MQ-9B Predator UAVs, which could be manufactured in India with transfer of technology. The Javelin anti-tank missile deal between India and the United States is a significant defence agreement. This is going on and India will discuss the issue further,” they said.
The deal is worth approximately $75 million with 410 missiles and 21 launch units.
India has been seeking the transfer of Javelin missile technology from the United States to support its domestic defence-manufacturing capabilities. The Javelin missiles will enhance India’s anti-tank capabilities, providing a significant boost to its armoured forces.
India and the US have been discussing the potential procurement of Stryker armoured vehicles and this visit will give a push to the deal if India gets some relaxations from USA. This is crucial for India as the country is considering acquiring around 300 Stryker vehicles with Stryker Infantry Carrier ICV variant. The estimated cost of the deal is around $1 billion.
“The deal is important for India as the Stryker vehicles will provide the Indian Army with enhanced mobility and firepower,” they said, adding that the deal is still in the negotiation phase and several factors, including cost, technology transfer, and indigenous content are being discussed.
The US has been open to discussing the transfer of Javelin missile technology to India, but the specifics of the agreement, including the extent of technology transfer and co-development opportunities, are under negotiation.
Another discussion will be over the P-8I Poseidon aircraft, a long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. India has already acquired eight of these planes in 2009.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, India may also discuss the purchase of more P-8I aircraft as well as other defence equipment such as fighter jets and drones. The US has already agreed to sell 31 MQ-9B Reaper drones to India at an estimated cost of $4 billion.
Another push will be for joint manufacturing of engines in India. India and General Electric (GE) have signed a significant engine deal and as per the agreement, GE will transfer 80 per cent of its engine technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the production of F414 engines in India. These engines will power India’s indigenous Tejas Mk II fighter jets.
India wants 80 per cent of engine manufacturing to take place in the country, with only minor components sourced from elsewhere.
“Over 150 engines will be made locally in India, supporting the Indian Air Force’s large order for the Mk II version. This deal will not only help India’s defence-manufacturing capabilities but also demonstrate the country’s growth in the global aerospace sector and provide employment to local Indians,” they said.
PM MODI IN US
PM Modi, who shared good relations with Trump in his first term, will hold a joint press conference with the US President, the White House said.
India’s top career diplomat Vikram Misri said last week that there had been a “very close rapport” between the leaders, although their ties have so far failed to bring a breakthrough on a long-sought bilateral trade deal.
PM Modi was among the first to congratulate “good friend” Trump after his November election win.
For nearly three decades, US presidents from both parties have prioritized building ties with India, seeing a natural partner against a rising China.
