India-U.S. To Discuss Defence Deals During Hagel Visit

NEW DELHI: India and the U.S. are expected to discuss military deals worth over 20,000 crore during the three-day visit of American Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel here starting August 7.

The Defence Secretary will hold discussions with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on military ties between the two countries including the military hardware partnership, Defence Ministry officials said. During the visit, Hagel is also expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India has procured military equipment worth around 60,000 crore from the U.S. since 2003 and deals worth over 30,000 crore for procuring Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavylift helicopters, P-8I anti-submarine warfare and surveillance aircraft are in the pipeline.

The issue of under-negotiation Ultra Light Howitzer and Javelin anti-tank guided missile is also expected to figure in the discussions between the two countries. The proposed 3,600 crore deal for 145 ULH for Indian Army is "not progressing" as the acquisition is stuck over the issue of price and non-compliance of offsets proposal by the American equipment manufacturer.

The two sides are also expected to hold discussions on further expanding military-to-military exercises between the two sides. India and the U.S. hold regular execises under the naval Malabar, Special Forces' Shatrujeet and Air Force's Cope India series of wargames at regular intervals.

The sale of military hardware by the U.S. to India in a major way started in 2003 with the procurement of ANTPQ-37 weapon locating radars for the Army and has continued with the sale of 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, C-17 transport aircraft, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and P-8I aircraft.

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