India, U.S. Defence Technology and Trade Initiative                                                   

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Why in news?

• India, U.S. held 11th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative group meeting.

About Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)

• The meetings are normally held twice a year, alternating between India and the U.S.
• The aim of the group was to bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defence trade relationship and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defence equipment.
• This forum offers an opportunity for Indian and U.S. industries to be directly involved in DTTI and facilitates dialogue between government and industry on issues that impact industrial collaboration

Key outcomes:

• They agree on revised Statement of Intent to strengthen dialogue on defence technology cooperation.
• As part of efforts for co-production and co-development of defence equipment under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), India and the U.S. agreed on a revised Statement of Intent (SOI) to strengthen dialogue on defence technology cooperation by “pursuing detailed planning and making measurable progress”.
• Four Joint Working Groups focused on land, naval, air and aircraft carrier technologies had been established under DTTI to promote mutually agreed projects.
• The groups reported to the co-chairs on ongoing activities and collaborative opportunities, including a number of near-term projects targeted for completion on priority,”
• The two sides recently signed the first project agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under the Joint Working Group Air Systems.

Defence relations between India-U.S.

• Defence relationship has emerged as a major pillar of India- U.S. strategic partnership with intensification in defence trade, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and cooperation in maritime security and counter-piracy.
• India conducts more bilateral exercises with the U.S. than with any other country. Some important bilateral exercises are: Yudh Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, Tarkash, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India.
• Aggregate worth of defence-related acquisitions from the U.S. is more than US$ 15 billion.
• The India-U.S. Defence Technology and Trade Initiative(DTTI) is aimed at promoting co-development and co- production efforts.
• In June 2016, the U.S. recognised India as a "Major Defence Partner",which commits the U.S. to facilitate technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.
• The announcement of India’s elevation to Tier I of the Strategic Trade Authorization (STA)license exception will further contribute towards facilitating interaction in advanced and sensitive technologies.
• Apart from the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, some other important dialogue mechanisms on defence cooperation are: Defence Policy Group, Military Cooperation Group, Defense Technology and Trade Initiative etc.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-hold-11th-defence-technology-and-trade-initiative-group-meeting/article37412505.ece?homepage=true