NEW DELHI: Indo-US defence cooperation is expected to get a “forward push” during the visit of Sharad Pawar to the US in the beginning of April. From the

‘Kickleighter proposals” stage which envisaged exchanges concerning ideas contacts, doctrines and training, the consultations at the evil of the defence minister is likely to give defence cooperation greater substance.

This implies interaction between the defence ministry and Pentagon on larger issues and between the defence headquarters and the US Pacific Command at services level. Another outcome may be weapon purchases and technology transfer in certain areas, according to informed sources.

Once common ground is established at the political and strategic level, Gen Colin Powell, chairman of the US chiefs of staff committee, is expected to visit Indian August this year to cement ne defence relations hub. Pawar also expected to extend invitations to the defence secretary, Dick Cheney, to visit India before the US. Presidential elections, according to sources.

The scheduled visit of Pawar to the Wright Paterson base is to explore digenous light combat aircraft. Also on the cards is the purchase of US M109 A5 self-propelled guns and indigenous ‘manufacture of copperhead ammunition which is a laser- guided anti-tank round.

The “Kickleighter proposals’ which resulted in the formation of the Indo-US army steering ‘committee, the first meeting of which was held in January in Delhi, is an Army initiative and deals with modest programs of exchanges between the two armies.

These envisage more officers travelling to witness exercises in both country and more assignments. For instance, under this program, five Indian officers are at presenting Hawai headquarters of the US Pacific command) to witness brigade level exercises ‘of the US 24 division in the beginning of April. The Indian side is likely to invite the US observers to their exercises once they are planned after July 1992, which is the beginning of the Amy training calendar.

Similar, committees are likely to be set up by the naval and air force establishments of the two countries which will deal with similar cooperation.

Meanwhile, the visits of Admiral Chuck Larson, commander of US command commander seventh fleet, to India have helped to establish linkages.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1992