For key defence purchases from US,India must walk Obama sweet talk

The CISMOA is already pending with the Defence Ministry and had been put on hold by the first UPA government because of Left pressure. But there has been no review of that decision after the second UPA government took over.

In fact,the latest line from the Defence Ministry is that the government could consider developing some of these equipment indigenously.

While ministries seem to have differing views on the issue,this is one area where the US is awaiting a political signal from India.

Given that India is pushing the US to ease controls on selling high technology equipment to India and the PM even raised this with Obama,the US side wants India to also facilitate sale of defence equipment as only that will ensure the military edge New Delhi hopes to acquire through procurement of US military items.

Both these agreements are critical to get sophisticated communications,satellite and information systems that are usually installed in most US platforms. India,for instance,is buying the C-130J transport aircraft but has been frustrated by the fact that many of the on-board systems are not being cleared for sale by the US government.

Washington is clear that unless CISMOA is signed,it will be impossible for the US administration to give clearances. India recently opted to also purchase the C-17 aircraft where again this problem is going to crop up.

In fact,sources said,the issue came up when India bought Boeing business jets for Indian VVIPs. At that time,even the End-User Monitoring Agreement had not been signed and so a special End-user and CISMOA arrangement was reached only for that purchase. But the US does not want to follow a case-by-case approach and is pushing for a template just like the End-User Monitoring Agreement which was cleared by the government but did rake up considerable political controversy.

The same is the case for equipment that relates to data exchange from US satellites. For this,another separate bilateral agreement is needed and India will have to take a call soon because most of these equipment are unique and enhance the capabilities of these platforms.

The US is also pushing hard because this may come in the way of the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft deal where the phased array radar (AESA) is being promised.