India, US discuss military relations

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 18 

Four days after India made it clear that it will ignore US pressure to impose sanctions on any nation maintaining military ties with Russia, Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, after an Indo-US dialogue, issued a statement listing out the outcome of the India-US defence partnership.

Four days ago, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made it clear that it would be going ahead with the S-400 missile deal with Moscow days despite the US threat of sanctions.

Today in New Delhi, the 7th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) meeting was conducted where it was reiterated that the India-US defence cooperation is one of the core pillars of the defence relationship between the two countries.

The meeting was co-chaired by, Secretary Defence Production Dr Ajay Kumar and Under US Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M Lord.

Ajay Kumar told the US delegation that a large defence outlay is planned for India’s defence requirements in the future, the contribution of the defence industry, in partnership with foreign manufacturers, is expected to be significant. 

The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a statement quoting Ellen Lord as having said “US has designated India as a ‘Major Defence Partner’ and expected the defence relationship between the two countries to be further strengthened”. 

She also said the DTTI was an important forum leading to the 2+2 dialogue between the two countries.