US-India jet-engine technology transfer policy updated

Looks like PM Modi’s growing friendship with POTUS Obama is yielding some good results for India. In a latest advancement, the US has updated its policy on gas-turbine engine technology transfer to India. This step would expand the cooperation between the countries, in the production and design of sensitive jet engine components.

The announcement of this news was done by US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter, when he met Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar during the latter’s US visit.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways and means to move the ambitious Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) forward.

Talking of the DTTI progress as of now, both leaders expressed satisfaction, and committed themselves to identifying additional projects for possible co-development and co-production of high technology items, which can meet the transformational intent of DTTI.

At the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC), Parrikar and Carter commended positive discussions, especially in the area of Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE). The statement said that they look forward that the same progress can be achieved at the second meeting of the JWGACTC in February 2016, which would happen in India.

The leaders were also satisfied with the Jet Engine Technology Joint Working Group (JETJWG), which had a meeting this week in Bengaluru, concluding its 'Terms of Reference' and having productive discussion on cooperation in this area.

Later, as he was interacting with the media, Carter identified DTTI as a very important step in realising the potential that the India-US defence partnership holds.

He also said that he and Parrikar had discussed the progress that has been done in the cooperation on jet engines, and aircraft carrier design and construction, as well as opportunities to collaborate on additional projects of interest. These projects would be undertaken to further Prime Minister Modi's ‘Make in India’ policy.

Parrikar also expressed his desire to further collaborate in the higher-end technologies within the framework of DTTI.

"The assurance I have, and I am confident of that India is placed at a level which would ensure that red tapism is cut. I think this is the biggest take home one can get. We have got a very clear promise and we have been experiencing it that our issues are fast tracked," he told reporters.
Meanwhile, the US defence industry has welcomed Indian Government’s efforts to make necessary changes in its policies, which would facilitate increased defence manufacturing in the country.

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