India seeks progress on ‘major defence partner’ status from US

First contact: This is James Mattis’ first contact with Manohar Parrikar as US Defence Secretary.

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 9

Even as the Donald Trump-led US administration settles in and its long-standing allies read the implications, US Defence Secretary James Mattis called up Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to commit to growth of military ties between the two nations.Both discussed measures to take forward the implementation of the US decision to anoint India as its ‘major defence partner’ (MDP). In December — during the tenure of Barack Obama — the US Congress had approved the status that is unique to India.It institutionalises the path of progress made to facilitate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level on a par with that of the US’ closest allies and partners. It creates a presumption of approval for transactions with India and removes the need to have Congressional sanction for each fresh case.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Mattis committed to building upon bilateral defence cooperation, underscoring the strategic importance of the US-India relationship, said Pentagon spokesperson Capt Jeff Davis. MoD spokesperson Nitin Wakankar said they “resolved to work together to further consolidate and expand this partnership in the future”.Sources in India said two keys points discussed were the implementation of the MDP and taking forward for the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), which will be integral and enduring component of India-US security cooperation. The Indian side said it was the first defence-related contact since Trump assumed office on January 20.