The support of the top brass for Indo-US engagement is factored in the evolving complex security scenario in Asia with even Russia intent on supplying fighter aircraft engines to Pakistan and China. It sees the nuclear deal as part of the building engagement with the US in areas of defence cooperation.

The legislation comes at a time when New Delhi has decided to purchase six C-130 J tactical airlift airplanes for its special forces from the US. With Finance Minister P.Chidambaram giving a green signal, the contract will be signed before December 31, 2006.

Equipped with area weapons and air surveillance capabilities, the famed short take-off and stretched Hercules aircraft will be brought under the Indian Special Forces, which have expanded to 10 battalions (10,000 men) from mere three battalions in the past three years. The Special Forces are being modelled on the US special operations concept to take care off future battle-fields within and outside India.

The top brass feels that the deepening Indo-US defence engagement is a manifestation of Washington’s recognition of India’s growing status and the growing trust after the July 18, 2005 nuclear agreement.

Bush to talk about India’s democracy

When US President George W Bush signs the Henry J Hyde

US -India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act on Monday, he is expected to reiterate the American commitment to honour the July 18, 2005 and March 2, 2006 agreements. Although US President normally does not make statements after signing of any legislation, the key interlocutors on both sides have suggested that White House signal why the US law has been changed only for India.

... contd.