Antony conveys India’s concern over listing of defence firms by US

NEW DELHI - Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday conveyed India’s concerns regarding denial of export licenses for various defence- related requirements of the Armed Forces by the U S Administration to visiting U S Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

The US has included some Indian Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) labs in the ‘Entity List.’

Antony said such restrictions were anomalous to improvement of bilateral defence relations between both countries.

Gates and Antony discussed matters related to military-military co-operation.

During the meeting, both exchanged views and perspectives on a number of issues including the regional security situation and global security challenges.

Both Antony and Gates expressed satisfaction about improving defence relations since the signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement in 2005.

Gates informed Antony that President Obama has intiated a comprehensive reform of US export control regulations and assured that this would involve facilitation in the supply of defence technology and equipment to India.

Antony conveyed the view that the bilateral defence trade relations between India and the USA should move from a purely buyer-seller relationship to a more comprehensive relationship covering transfer of technology and co-production.

Antony expressed the view that proposed agreements like CISMOA would need to be assessed from the viewpoint of benefits accruing to India.

They expressed optimism about prospects for enhancing bilateral defence relations in all areas. (ANI)