DTTI talks moving fast after Modi govt took over: US official

A top US official today said the negotiations on Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) are taking place at a faster pace since Narendra Modi government came to power.
"I'm one of Deputies to Frank Kendall (Under Secretary of Defense) who is spearheading Defence Technology and Trade Initiative. Since your (Lok Sabha) election we have seen very very rapid increase in connectivity between our nation and your nation around the DTTI," US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Alan R Shaffer told reporters here.
"I found Prime Minister Modi's speech yesterday quite remarkable and clear in his vision," he said referring to the inauguration of Aero India 2015 show by the Prime Minister, who made a strong pitch to end India's dependence on defence imports and asked foreign firms not to be just "sellers" but "strategic partners".

Listing out the bilateral meetings held at different levels, including those between Modi and US President Obama, he said "...We have solid proposals in several areas that will lead to co-development and co-production. We are also seeing series of interchanges between researchers and builders in both the countries."
"....I'm seeing tremendous amount of activity," he added.
Stating that more has happened on DTTI in the last two months than in last two years, Shaffer said "....Now the personal relationship that Prime Minister Modi has developed with President Obama has led to a very serious and significant push that has happened at the very highest level between both our nations."

He said there would be more attention to strengthening the relationship in defence materials, in defence production between India and the United States.