The Hindu Business Line : Pranab sees scope to boost defence business with US

THE disappointing aspect of relations between India and the US has been that although the two societies are so close in terms of shared values, "we have yet to develop a substantial partnership in the defence industrial sector," the Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, has said.

"Although there have been some recent positive developments, there is nevertheless enormous potential for further progress in this regard," the Defence Minister said at the US-India Business Council here.

Stressing that there are "great opportunities" for business in India's defence sector, Mr Mukherjee called for this business to be viewed in a broader perspective. The Minister said that the overall security scenario must form the backdrop of the cooperation between the two nations.

Mr Mukherjee argued that given India's geo-political environment and its responsible track record, it should "justifiably be allowed access to all the technologies and defence equipment it needs. There should be no moral inhibition on this account".

The Minister said that "real opportunities" of partnership and commerce exist in specific areas that were essentially defence and non-lethal; and these would be technologies, equipment and strategy to counter terrorism; surveillance, communication equipment and sensors for border management and cyber security.

In the realm of commercial opportunities for American industry in the sale of equipment and weapons, Mr Mukherjee said that India does not look "purely" at a "buyer-seller" relationship.

The relationship had to be strategic and New Delhi was looking for a "long-term" commitment. Really substantial commercial opportunities will come about from transfer of technology, co-development, co-production, mutual outsourcing and joint marketing, he said.

Pointing to India's own strengths and its vast and varied industrial infrastructure, particularly in the defence sector and human resources, Mr Mukherjee argued that India can be an excellent base for US defence industry in a number of areas such as repair, overhaul, maintenance and servicing, including as a centre for regional distribution and services.

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