Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter (2nd-L) ahead of their meeting in Goa. AFP

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 11

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter are all set to announce the next stage of Indo-US military ties even as India will be keen to project that its “not to close” to the US and balance out ties with China, its neighbour and Russia, its oldest military ally.Parrikar and Carter are to meet tomorrow for formal round of talks in New Delhi and are scheduled to address a joint press conference.Carter arrived in Goa on April 10 and has had meetings with Parrikar. Today the visiting US dignitary was welcomed on board India’s sea-borne aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, docked at Karwar Naval base located South of Goa.In his remarks in Goa, Carter said it was critically important for the US and India to expand their military relationship, including greater cooperation on high-tech projects and ship and fighter jet development.In the run-up to the Parrikar-Carter meeting, Indian officials had told their US counterparts that they would want Washington to stand guarantee for transfer of technology (ToT) if any US-based companies are to bid under the ‘Make in India’ plan for the fighter jet programme.US companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin have submitted proposals for ‘Make in India’ fighter jets. New Delhi is looking for additional fighter jets once it signs the Rafale deal with Dassualt Aviation of France.Before embarking on his trip Carter, while speaking in New York had assured New Delhi that technology transfer issues in case of co-production were “surmountable”.Tomorrow Parrikar-Carter will discuss the further movement in Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). Parrikar is keen that DTTI talks be held with the possibility to ensure that centre’s flagship initiative ‘Make in India’ is made an integral part of it.