Parrikar to raise cross border terrorism by Pak with US

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to do some 'plain talking' on cross border terrorism by Pakistan and articulate India's stand on the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East during a crucial meeting with his American counterpart Ashton Carter this week.
Top Defence sources said Parrikar, at the meeting on December 9 and 10, will "plainly" tell the US that its policy of engaging Pakistan was not working.
Parrikar will also be telling Carter that the American military and foreign policy in the Middle-East and Afghanistan "are not very sound" and not working properly, sources said.
Parrikar, who is already in the US on his maiden visit as Defence Minister, will also express his concern over Islamabad's "threat" to use tactical nuclear weapons against India.

Parrikar's visit comes against the backdrop of reported US plans to sell eight F-16 fighters and 15 Bell AH 1Z Viper attack helicopters to Pakistan.
He is also likely to articulate India's stand on this.

India's concern about the US policy in Middle-East relates to the rise of the Islamic State (IS) which recently carried out terror strikes in Paris killing more than 120 people.
Besides Pakistan and the security situation, Parrikar will also take forward the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) as both countries work towards greater collaboration in joint development and manufacture of next-gen military technology, sources said.

Both Parrikar and Carter will review the functioning of the joint working group on aircraft carrier and identify technologies India could acquire in future.
The two are also expected to discuss possible programmes that could be taken up under the 'Make in India' initiative.
US' Lockheed Martin has already offered to manufacture its planes here in line with the government's 'Make in India' push. Indicating its growing interest in the Indian market, Lockheed recently entered into a joint venture with the Tatas to manufacture parts of C-130J aircraft at a newly built facility in Hyderabad.
A forward movement is also expected in India's decision to acquire 145 pieces of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers from the US under a government-to-government deal that would see its manufacturer BAE Systems invest over USD 200 million in India as offset.

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Parrikar pointed out that there were lot opportunities on offer from both sides and it was for industry from both nations to take the best foot forward.
The two sides also affirmed to resolve to continue high-level contacts between the leaders of both countries.
Last year, India and Vietnam had decided to enhance their bilateral defence cooperation and signed a joint vision statement for five years.
Vietnam, which is building a naval deterrent to China with Russian-made Kilo-class submarines, is keen on India training its submarine personnel. It also has expressed interest to acquire Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a deal for which India is open to.

The Southeast Asian nation may become the first country to be supplied the 290 km-range BrahMos weapon system, a joint venture of India and Russia.
Parrikar also complimented Vietnam on their successful participation in the International Fleet Review held in India in February this year.
He visited the elite 308 Division and complimented the efforts of the Vietnam People's Army soldiers on their contribution in the past. The Defence Minister also visited the Research and Development facilities of Viettel Group of industries.
Parrikar has extended an invitation to the Minister of National Defence of Vietnam to visit India at an early date and the invitation was accepted.