India-U.S. Discuss Defense Industrial Cooperation

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to discuss priorities for the U.S.-India bilateral defense partnership.

Deputy Secretary Hicks said building alliances and partnerships are a top priority for the department, and integral to the ongoing implementation of the U.S. National Defense Strategy.

U.S. is trying to sell India its F-16V fighter jet for the Air Force and the F/A-18 aircraft for the Navy’s carrier borne fighter requirement among other procurement possibilities.

The deputy secretary thanked NSA Doval for India’s leadership in the region and discussed avenues to deepen coordination between the U.S. and Indian militaries to address the region’s increasingly contested strategic environment.

The two also discussed opportunities to increase bilateral defense industrial cooperation through innovative joint endeavors between U.S. and Indian firms that support India’s unique operational requirements.

Deputy Secretary Hicks and National Security Advisor Doval said they look forward to making progress toward advancing the U.S-India defense partnership.