India and USA Signed a Joint Declaration in Defence Cooperation

India and United States of America (USA) signed a joint declaration on 27 September 2013 in defence cooperation in research in defence, defence technology transfer, co-development and co-production of defence articles and services and protecting each other’s sensitive technology and information.

Highlights of the Joint declaration in defence cooperation

• The United States and India share common security interests and place each other at the same level as their closest partners. This principle will apply with respect to defence technology transfer, trade, research, co-development and co-production for defence articles and services, including the most advanced and sophisticated technology.

• Both countries will work to improve licensing processes, and, where applicable, follow expedited license approval processes to facilitate this cooperation.

•The U.S and India are also committed to protecting each other’s sensitive technology and information.

• The two sides will continue their efforts to strengthen mutual understanding of their respective procurement systems and approval processes, and to address process-related difficulties in defence trade, technology transfer and collaboration.

• The two sides look forward to the identification of specific opportunities for cooperative and collaborative projects in advanced defence technologies and systems, within one year. Such opportunities will be pursued by both sides in accordance with their national policies and procedures, in a manner that would reflect the full potential of the relationship.

• The U.S. continues to fully support India`s full membership in the four international export control regimes, which would further facilitate technology sharing.