Pentagon Claims $ 18 Billion Business by the End of this year, through INDIA-US Bilateral Defence Trade

Before the Indo-US Defense Technology and Trade Incentive (DTTI) meeting in New Delhi next week, the Pentagon said today that defense advisors between the two countries will reach billion dollars later this year. America's Defense Under Secretary Ellen M. Lord said that the United States is working towards increasing military-to-military relations and cooperation with India. He said that this is why the Pentagon expects its defense with India to reach 18 billion by the end of this year. Lord said that the US is coming to DTTI and is very keen to meet and work with its Indian counterpart. Government will approve arms procurement plan of about 15 thousand crores, army will be more powerful.

Significantly last year, India had asked for 24 multi-role MH 60 Romeo anti-submarine helicopters from the US. Defense industry sources had said that the helicopter is estimated to cost $ 2 billion. Experts said that India needed this special helicopter for the last  decade. Recently after the successful meeting of PM Modi and US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of the conference in Singapore, people involved in the matter said that the deal is expected to be final in a few months'. Sources also said that India has sent a letter to the US in which urgent 24 multi-role MH60 Romeo Sea-Hawk helicopter is needed. Significantly, defense relations between the two countries have further strengthened in recent times and this was further strengthened by the Trump administration's decision to open the doors of India's high-tech military hardware to India.