US-India are strategic partners
Washington’s continued recognition of India as a trusted defence partner is the dawn of a new geopolitical order in Asia, a senior industry has said.
“The continued recognition of India as a trusted defence partner by the US, is the dawn of a new geopolitical order in the region, with both countries committed to fight the scourge of terrorism and maintaining peace and security,” said Rashesh Shah, President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
He welcomed the positive outcomes of the first 2+2 dialogue between India and the United States held during the first week of September 2018,
The signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (Comcasa), announcement of a tri services joint exercise on the eastern coast in 2019 and secure hotlines between the Secretary of Defence and the Indian Defence Minister were significant milestones in cementing this relationship, Shah said.
“The India-specific Comcasa, which keeps India’s sovereign interests safeguarded, clearly indicates the priority that the US accords to India as a trusted defence partner and the facilitation of interoperability between US and Indian platforms will also encourage hi-tech companies and startups to explore further opportunities for co-production/co-development activities between the two countries.”
He further added that, “With the recent grant of STA-1 status to India by the United States, following India’s accession to three of the four multilateral trade regimes; MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group – Industry keenly looks forward to India being a full member of the Nuclear Supplier’s Group, which will certainly go a long way in cementing our strategic relationship between our nations.”
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mattis attended the inaugural India-U.S. Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue, a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-U.S. strategic partnership.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led Indian side in the dialogue held 6 Sept 2018. fiinews.com
