Signalling further strengthe-ning of US-India ties, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel may sign defence deals with India during his three day visit to India.
New Delhi, Aug 8/Nationalturk – US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, who arrived on a three-day visit to India, may sign defence deals with India.
After his arrival in Indian capital New Delhi last night, Hagel met Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj early Friday morning and held talks to strengthen military ties between the two countries reaffirming US president Barack Hussain Obama administration’s keen interest in actively engaging with the new government in New Delhi led by Narendra Modi of rightwing Hindu party BJP.
During his three day visit to India, US defence secretary will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Besides, Hagel is also scheduled to meet chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.
It is first visit of Hagel to India.
Hagel may discuss military ties
Sources said during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister and Defence minister, Hagel is expected to discuss military ties between the two countries, including partnership in defence hardware.
Defence ties between India and the US have expanded over the years with army of both countries also conducting regular joint exercises.
Sources said Hagel may sign some defence deals with India during this stay in Indian capital. “The there could be discussions about India procuring heavy-lift and attack helicopters, anti-submarine jets and transport aircraft from the US”.
“India may buy Apache gunships and 22 Chinook attack helicopters, both built by Boeing – the deals are expected to feature in Hagel’s meetings with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha,” they said.
Hagel’s visit to India follows one by US Secretary of State John Kerry last week.
India has moved away from the influence of Russia and has moved closer to US over the years. Once too much reliant on Russia for defence deals, India is now purchasing military hardware from US and other Western countries.
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