India-US Joint Statement came as the of Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar visits the United States from August 29-31, at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.
#1. Discussions on improving bilateral cooperation and the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India. Strengthening defense ties across many areas: from increased strategic and regional cooperation, to deepened military-to-military exchanges, to expanded collaboration on defense technology and innovation.
#2. Countries discussed India’s “Major Defense Partner” designation, announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in June 2016 to facilitate innovative and advanced opportunities in defense technology and trade cooperation.
#3. Secretary Carter welcomed India’s membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
#4. Countries welcomed continued progress under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) of broadening its agenda by setting up five new Joint Working Groups on: Naval Systems; Air Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; Chemical and Biological Protection; and Other Systems. Also close consultation on “Make in India” proposals were taken up.
#5. Countries welcomed the conclusion of the bilateral ‘White Shipping” technical arrangement for data sharing on commercial shipping traffic. They also discussed cooperation on capabilities to augment India’s capacity for maritime domain awareness (MDA).
#6. US acknowledged India’s positive contributions to regional security and stability, including in matters beyond the maritime space and appreciated consultations on Afghanistan, which took place earlier this month.
#7. US commended the recent completion of the naval exercise MALABAR with Japan and India’s participation in the Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise in Hawaii, as well as the Red Flag Air Force Exercise in Alaska. United States look forward to the increased complexity in the YUDH ABHYAS Army exercise, which is scheduled for September in India. Areas to promote practical cooperation included, counter-terrorism, maritime security, special operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. They also welcomed the signing of the bilateral Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which will facilitate additional opportunities for practical engagement and exchange.
#8. US appreciated Government of India move to facilitate the recovery and repatriation of U.S. World War II remains in April 2016. Further, the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) would return to India November 1-December 14, 2016 to survey additional aircraft crash locations.
Mr Parrikar also visited the 9/11 Memorial with Secretary Carter.