US keen on providing India defence tech reserved for close allies

Washington, June 24 : The US is interested in providing India with the kind of defence technology it normally reserves for its closest allies, the White House has said, signalling the Trump administration’s resolve to strengthen the bilateral defence relationship. However, a senior administration official refrained from confirming reports that the State Department has approved the sale of 22 Guardian drones to India. “We can’t really talk about a potential or pending arms sale before they are actually notified to Congress,” the official said.
“But I will simply note that the defence relationship is extremely important. The US is interested in leaning forward in providing high technology, the kind of technology it provides to its closest allies and partners,” the senior administration official said.
Defence is expected to be a major agenda item when Trump hosts Modi at the White House next week.“We’re looking at a very productive visit. These kinds of sales that we’re talking about are important for the strategic partnership, for cooperating in areas like the Indian Ocean region, increasing that cooperation, serving the interests of both countries,” the official said.
“They create jobs, these kinds of defence deals create a lot of jobs here in the US. So they’re right in line with this administration’s priorities.