Ahead of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s maiden US visit next month, the two countries have made progress on their ambitious collaboration in the fields of jet engine and aircraft carrier technology. The terms of reference for Jet Engine Technology Joint Working Group has been finalised and is likely to be signed next month, while the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) has been slated for next February.

Background:-

• During the 4th meeting of the India-US Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group held at the Pentagon on November 17, officials of the two countries discussed the way ahead for the Jet Engine Technology Joint Working, which included exchanging strategies for government and industry cooperation.
• These includes next Generation Cheel Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; Roll-on/Roll-off Kits for C-130s; Mobile Electric Hybrid Power Sources (MEHPS), Next Generation Protective Ensemble (NGPE), Aircraft Carrier Technology Working Group and Jet Engine Technology Cooperation.
• During the meeting, Indian and US officials committed to executing the project plans for the two government-to- government pathfinder projects – MEHPS and the NGPE.
• They also agreed to expeditiously work to resolve remaining issues and complete the Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP) Memorandum of Agreement so that the exchange of scientists can begin as soon as possible.
• Expressing satisfaction with DTTI progress to date, India and US defence officials committed to continue to exchange ideas in the search for additional projects for possible co-development and co-production that meet the spirit of DTTI.
• Kendall is now likely to visit India in February 2016 for the 5th DTTI Group meeting.

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_______________ are likely to sign a pact on exchange of information on terrorists on a real time basis during the counter-terrorism and homeland security dialogue scheduled to be held in December.