It’s time for India and US to commit to joint defence projects: Pentagon official

With India being designated as a major defence partner by the US, it is time the two countries commit themselves to defense projects, a former Obama-era top Pentagon official has said.

"Both governments need to make a programme decision and commit. These decisions need to be made at the highest-levels in both governments with a clear timeline against which progress will be measured," said Keith Webster, who represented the Pentagon in the Defense Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) in the Obama administration, reports PTI.

For taking the India-US defence relationship to the next level, Webster said a serious look must be given to a project or two under the DTTI. "Not only a look, but a joint commitment to develop, invest and field a joint capability.

The US knows how to do this and has done so globally on select capability with mixed results," he said in his address to an event organised at the US Capitol by the US India Friendship Council. "On the table on Thursday are a host of opportunities if only both nations would commit. Opportunities not only include jointly developed capability such as next generation ground combat vehicles, but also include programs unique to GOI service requirements that provide India with the potential to develop, field and sell globally a unique capability," Webster said.

To see tangible progress beyond a buyer seller paradigm, he argued that the Indian government must make a programme commitment with a 'Make in India' benefit. "Whether fighter aircraft, both proposals of which have a clear and significant Make in India payoff, or some other capability initiative, the GOI must make an investment decision," Webster said.

In turn, the US then must without hesitation support such a decision by India, he said.