Daily Editorial -US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)

• US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)

1. The timeline of India – US defence cooperation.

2. What are the reasons for US inclination towards India?

3. What does being designated “major defence partner” mean for India?

4. What could be the future challenges?

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US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)

Recently, legislation was passed by US Congress designating India as “major defence partner.” This legislation has brought India into the major defence partners of US.

The emergence of DTTI as an integral and enduring component of India-U.S. security cooperation is a sign that the relationship has matured to a level of strategic importance.

The timeline of India – US defence cooperation.

It all started in 1995 with Agreed Minute on Defence Relations.

1. But in 1998, India conducted Nuclear Tests which led to sanctions from the West. Any progress on Defence cooperation was lost.
2. Over next decade, India was not able to forge a close defence cooperation with US. This has been attributed to:
3. a) India’s over dependence on Russia for her defence supplies.
4. b) India’s political class reservations against substantial defence purchasing from US.
5. 2005 – New framework for the US – India Defence Relationship – gave a fresh start to India – US defence cooperation.
6. 2013 – Joint Principles for Defence Cooperation – The both parties recognised that they share common security and place each other at the same level as their closest partners.
7. 2015 – Framework for the US – India Defence Relationship – India has become largest purchaser of US weaponry and also US has replaced Russia as principal defence supplier.

What are the reasons for US inclination towards India?

• Dramatic decline in utility of Pakistan for US after death of Osama Bin Laden coupled with US intention to reduce its military strength in Afghanistan.
• Due to greater assertiveness by China in South China Sea, US need new partners in the Asia.
• The aggressive attitude of Trump towards China, make it highly unlikely for him to abandon a significant defence partnership in Asia.
• A significant Indian diaspora in US and majorly in favour of Trump will make it difficult for him to alienate with India.
• India has acted as a responsible power in the region till now, which has created a global confidence in it.
• India under Modi’s regime seems more than willing to reciprocate to friendly advances of US.

What does being designated “major defence partner” mean for India?

•  It brings India in league of closest allies of US when it comes to transfer of defence technologies.
• This bill puts India on par with other NATO allies.
• The DTTI will strengthen India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), focus on enhancing India’s operational capabilities, and promote co-production/co-development opportunities.
• It encourages the government to authorize combined military planning with the United States for missions of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter piracy, and maritime domain awareness.
• The recent signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) has facilitated additional opportunities for practical engagement and exchange.
• The emergence of DTTI as an integral and enduring component of India-U.S. security cooperation is a sign that the relationship has matured to a level of strategic importance.
• This partnership will also work as a pressure on the China-Pakistan.

What could be the future challenges?

•  The first challenge is the piling up of US offers, while is not yet been able to respond against them.
• The UAV Raven and ATGM Spike episodes raise questions about the mechanism for identification of the technologies and projects for co-development and co-production.
• Flooding the MoD with offers may be of little use unless the offers are in response to specific requirement projected by it.
• Another challenge is, Indian side has to be absolutely clear about what it wants and should place the specifics of the requirement on the table.
• The defence budget, especially the segment that funds capital acquisitions, is widely seen as inadequate for financing the modernisation needs of the armed forces.
• The existing procedures for procurement of technology will have to be realigned.

Signing of this deal will be the first step and it’s implementation the last one. Now India should try to materialize this deal for the strategic and economic benefits of the nation by dealing with the challenges.