India-US $2.6 bn US naval chopper deal ahead of Trump trip |
Ahead of US President Donald Trump`s India visit later this month, India is set to give its final approval to a $2.6 billion deal for military helicopters from U.S. defence firm Lockheed Martin. Modi government is trying to pull out all the stops for Trump`s trip in a bid to reaffirm strategic ties between the two countries, which have been buffeted by sharp differences over trade, to counter China. India`s defence purchases from the United States have reached $17 billion since 2007 as it has pivoted away from traditional supplier Russia, looking to modernise its military and narrow the gap with China. Modi`s cabinet committee on security is expected to clear the purchase of 24 MH¬60R Seahawk helicopters for the Indian navy in the next two weeks. To cut short lengthy negotiations between Lockheed and the Indian government, the helicopters that will be deployed on India`s warships will be bought through the U.S. foreign military sales route, under which the two governments will agree details of the deal. On Monday, the U.S. State Department said it had approved an Indian request for an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System for an estimated cost of $1.87 billion, which would further strengthen the two countries` defence ties.
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