India to host two key defence engagements with US this month to expedite procurements
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India will host two key defence engagements with the US this month to discuss accelerating military hardware purchases. The meetings come despite the current low in bilateral ties since the unprecSindoor levy of 50% tariffs by the Trump administration and Pakistan-US military bonhomie.A high-level US defence policy team will arrive in New Delhi mid-August, followed by a working-level 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue towards this month end, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.Both meetings aim to advance defence cooperation and expedite pending procurement projects, it has been learnt.'The India–US defence partnership, underpinned by foundational defence agreements, is an important pillar of the bilateral relationship,' Jaiswal said. 'This robust cooperation has strengthened across all domains.'The agenda of the meetings could be on the long-delayed delivery of General Electric-made F404 engines for India's Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets and six additional Boeing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft. However, P-81 acquisitions have been delayed by several disagreements.The two militaries are also expected to hold their annual Yudh Abhyas in Alaska from September 1-4. Yudh Abhyas is the name of the annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army. The exercise focuses on enhancing military cooperation, interoperability, and sharing best practices in counter-terrorism operations . The 20th edition was held in Rajasthan from September 9 to 22, 2024.The exercise includes tactical drills, joint planning, and field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism scenarios. The 2024 edition involved 1,200 troops from both sides, including special forces units and Green Berets. This year, the troops, drawn from a mix of all arms and services, will be led by the Madras Regiment. US troops are keen to draw lessons from India's experience in Operation Sindoor.
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