Washington and New Delhi are expanding their defense technology cooperation. On his visit to India, President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the extension and expansion of the bilateral Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) agreement that has been in place since 2005.
The DTTI will be expanded to another 10-year framework, but this time it will be focused on specific programs that both countries are interested in.
” This renewed framework will support stronger military-to-military engagement, including deeper maritime cooperation and increased opportunities in technology and trade. ”US defense secretary Chuck Hagel noted. Part of the cooperation will establish joint training between the two military forces, Hagel said. These military exchanges will include expanded joint combat exercises, maritime security operations as well as the opening of intelligence-sharing channels. “By establishing a new military education partnership, we will help shape the next generation of military leaders in both our nations, fostering relationships that will draw our defense establishments closer together for years to come.”
The DTTI that has been in place since 2005 did not yield significant results. The two sides are hopeful the new agreement will succeed to jumpstart few collaborative programs, as it will initially focus on four “pathfinder” projects.
