India, US to ink key defence deal during Trump's visit

New Delhi and Washington are likely to sign USD 2.6 billion deal under which the US will supply 24 multi-role MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters to India. Ahead of Trump's India visit, the US also approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India at an estimated cost of USD 1.9 billion.

Hyderabad: During the maiden visit of US President Donald Trump to India on February 24-25, New Delhi and Washington are likely to ink key defence deals, including procurement of a batch of military helicopters by Indian Navy from American defence major Lockheed Martin at a cost of USD 2.6 billion.

Government and industry sources said that the two sides are likely to sign USD 2.6 billion deal under which the US will supply 24 multi-role MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters to India.

The US approved the sale of the Seahawk helicopters to India in April last year. The helicopters are expected to boost the Indian Navy's anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations. The chopper is designed to hunt down submarines.

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Ahead of Trump's visit, Washington approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India (IADWS) at an estimated cost of USD 1.9 billion. The Trump Administration notified the US Congress of its decision to supply IADWS to India. Officials said the two sides may finalise the deal during the US president's visit to India.

Defence and security ties between India and the US have been on an upswing in the last six years. The bilateral defence trade touched USD 18 billion mark in 2019, reflecting growing defence cooperation between the two sides.

There has been an indication that two sides may announce the further deepening of defence ties during Trump's visit on February 24 and 25.

Both sides have also been pushing for a joint venture and collaboration between private sectors of the two countries in defence manufacturing.

In June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner," intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.