US offers 17 technologies in first defence initiative

The US government had offered India 17 technologies in the first flush of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) – concluded between Washington and New Delhi in 2014. But the technologies on offer were what was called “mickey mouse” stuff, as an observer commented. But now US military-industrial complex wants to put the initiative on steroids.

So 25 new defence technologies have been identified by the American industries and they are pressuring the Pentagon, Department of State and the White House, besides the US Congress to step up to the plate and push through the various clearances. 

Those permits will allow the industry to expand into the market that still holds <g data-gr-id="27">promise</g> of spending $ 150 billion in this decade or so. 

But clearly, the American side understands that with Narendra Modi taking up the mantra of ‘Make in India’ there can no longer be easy sales to India, via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route or commercial bids.

So the US industries are seeking to put the American and Indian bureaucracy to put skates on and move as fast as possible. One may recall that when US Secretary of Defence, Ashton Carter had signed on to the DTTI, his officials had sought to palm off technologies for low-end <g data-gr-id="22">mini drones</g> and the like.

The information on the new tranche of 25 newer technologies is not readily available. The US Embassy here, when queried, gave a boiler plate response which basically gave an impression of an ongoing dialogue. 

The response is, “Under the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) the U.S. government is actively reviewing proposals for co-development and co-production. The government will give each and every proposal due consideration.