Should Not Let Red Tape Limit Indo-U.S. Defence Cooperation: Chuck Hagel

The U.S. 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.

Hagel said he will take a personal interest in pushing forward this initiative and U.S. Under Secretary for Acquisition Frank Kendall will visit India by the end of this year.

He said the DTTI will help in India's plan to have self-sufficiency in defence sector and will create jobs in both India and the U.S. as "it was a vehicle to take the defence ties between the two countries to a new stage".

Asked if the DTTI initiative will work, the topmost U.S. defence official said if the leadership of the two countries is committed, it will definitely work.

Hagel said with a view to stress on the improved defence ties between the two countries, the U.S. has also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the American military headquarters in Pentagon during his proposed visit there in September end.

On the Indo-U.S. cooperation in defence sector, Hagel said India has procured $9 billion worth equipment from the U.S. in the last six-seven years and the militaries of the two countries hold a number of exercises every year.

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