On March 25, a significant discussion on strengthening defence ties took place between India and the United States at the 18th Defence Policy Group meeting in New Delhi. The talks were co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Elbridge Colby, the US Under Secretary of War for Policy. The meeting aimed to assess ongoing initiatives and identify areas for future cooperation in defence.

Key Ongoing Defence Projects Discussed

During the meeting, both sides addressed several crucial defence deals, including India’s intent to procure six more P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The Ministry of Defence indicated that ongoing projects were thoroughly reviewed, and priorities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment were established. The discussions reiterated a shared commitment to increasing military-to-military relations, which includes joint exercises, training, and strategic exchanges.

Emergency Procurement of Artillery Ammunition

Another focal point of the discussions involved the Excalibur precision-guided artillery ammunition. India has finalized a deal worth Rs 300 crore under the emergency procurement protocol. Indian officials emphasized the importance of timely delivery of these precision-guided munitions to the Indian Army, highlighting the urgency and strategic significance of this procurement.

Potential Acquisition of Javelin Missiles

The Indian government is also exploring the possibility of acquiring Javelin anti-tank guided missiles from the United States through expedited procurement channels. This initiative forms part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its defensive capabilities.

Navy’s Interest in Additional P-8I Aircraft

In addition, the Indian Navy is actively negotiating the purchase of six additional P-8I surveillance aircraft from the United States. The potential deal, which is estimated at Rs 30,000 crore, has been under discussion for a considerable time and is anticipated to be finalized in the near future.

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