America Planning more Defence Sales to India
A senior State Department official stated that the United States aims to increase defence sales to India as part of a “robust” bilateral agenda, highlighting the recently signed trade agreement and the ten-year defence framework between Washington and New Delhi as crucial elements of enhanced strategic relations.
"From the defence perspective, we have a strong agenda. We also have potential acquisitions of weapon systems in progress that will assist India in enhancing its protection, maintaining its sovereignty, and will generate jobs in America," states Dr. S. Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
In his comments at a subcommittee hearing named "South Asia: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Region," he emphasized that American initiatives and endeavors with India were advancing in defense, energy, technology, and more, despite certain ambiguities regarding the trade relationship.
The ten-year defense agreement signed by the two nations in October will "assist us in progressing and enhancing interoperability during joint exercises in numerous areas we engage in and have engaged in recently."
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Kapur emphasized that "several initiatives are underway," noting that progress has persisted despite trade uncertainties, and it's expected to accelerate now as the trade issue is being more addressed.
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Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee, remarked in his opening statements at the meeting that America considers India an essential strategic partner.
"India, the world’s largest democracy and one of the quickest growing economies, continues to be an essential strategic ally," Huizenga states, reflecting on the recently finalized India-US trade agreement that 'thoroughly transformed US involvement with New Delhi.'
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"Additionally, Delhi has consented to purchase increased amounts of American energy." "This agreement will enhance US-India relations, assist American workers via manufacturing and collaborative technology projects, and increase our exports," stated the chairman.