India,US ink 2 pacts on flight security

However,the Indian side’s request that dual screening of baggage on US-bound flights be dispensed with,has not been met as the US has expressed its apprehensions. This would involve the US side surveying the security operations at the originating airports,a spokesperson said,adding that India would facilitate an early visit by the TSA to enable this process. The recently formed JWG would meet periodically to take forward the issues agreed upon.

The concept of an Aviation Security Force and adoption of best practices in security with cooperation of both sides came up during discussions. The Indian side sought American co-operation on source identification of human body scanners as well as X-ray baggage systems.

Talks were also held on bringing about conformity with aviation security provisions established by the UN body,International Civil Aviation Organisation.