Should not let redtape limit IndoUS defence cooperation: Hagel

Says America has proposed around a dozen proposals to India for manufacturing defence hardware together

Having offered to jointly develop and produce the next generation 'Javelin' anti-tank guided missile to India, the US today said the two countries should not allow bureaucratic redtape to bound their defence cooperation.

Addressing a gathering here, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said America has proposed around a dozen proposals to India under Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) for manufacturing defence hardware together.

"This will help in expanding their regional security cooperation...We have offered to not only co-produce but also co-develop the next generation Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. This is an unprecedented offer," Hagel said.

Under the DTII, the two countries have agreed to jointly produce and develop defence systems and have appointed nodal officers for taking forward this initiative.

"For both our nations, the challenge is to seize the opportunities, those opportunities that are before us today. Bureaucratic redtape within our two governments must not limit our partnerships and initiatives," he said.

The Javelin missile co-develop offer from the US has been under consideration of the Indian defence establishment for a long time but due to reluctance of the American equipment manufacturers to share critical technology, the Army has not shown much interest in it.

The renewed offer is part of the American efforts to revitalise defence ties which have slowed down in the last two-three years.

The US Defence Secretary said the DTTI was also in line with the Indian plans to expand its defence industrial base, and added that the rise in FDI cap will also help in increasing defence cooperation between the two countries.