Indo-US delegation meets for defence cooperation

As part of lndo-US Bilateral Defence Cooperation, the 8th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Inter-Agency Task Force Meeting was held here on Monday.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, the meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Vice Admiral A.K. Jain and Acting Director, International Cooperation Matthew Warren.

The DTTI was initiated as an idea by former U.S. Secretary of Defence Dr. Ashton Carter in 2012.

"The aim of DTTI is to bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defence trade relationship and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defence equipment," the statement said.

"A number of joint working groups spanning varied projects have been established under DTTI on both sides, which have identified various projects for the armed forces," it added.

The MoD further said the working groups meet regularly to discuss and take forward the projects.

"The U.S. has declared India as a major defence partner under the National Defence Authorisation Act in 2017 has given an impetus to the DTTI," the MoD said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral A.K. Jain brought out that India's defence industry was in a growing stage and looking to acquire niche technology in manufacturing defence weapons and equipment. This will also give a boost to India's flagship 'Make in India' initiative.

The US Co-chair, Matthew Warren highlighted that defence cooperation between the two countries is continuing to make progress.

"Both sides understand the importance of DTTI in this respect and it is a good forum for mutual cooperation to take ahead the defence ties between the two sides," the statement said.