The United States has updated its policy on gas-turbine engine technology transfer to India, a move that should lead to expanded cooperation in production and design of jet-engine components. US defense secretary Ash Carter informed defence minister Manohar Parrikar of the decision during the latter’s visit to Washington this week and said it was made possible by the strengthening relationship between two countries.

The statement gave no details of the policy update and a Pentagon spokesman was unable to provide more information. India and the United States were often at odds during the Cold War but have been working in recent years to expand defence cooperation given shared concerns about China’s rising power. The United States has become one of the main sources of weapons for the Indian military, and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make-in-India” programme has offered joint development and production of military technologies.

The scope of this Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) has so far been modest because of concerns about intellectual property protection on the part of US companies.

Did You Know???

• In June, Carter and Parrikar signed a new 10-year defence cooperation pact and sealed an agreement for joint development of protective gear for soldiers against biological and chemical warfare, and another on building generators.
• In August, the two sides also held an inaugural working-level meeting aimed at establishing broader cooperation on the design, development and production of aircraft carriers.