NEW DELHI: India and the United States are closing in on an industrial security agreement that will allow the transfer of defence technology, sources said on Monday, ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's talks in New Delhi this week to promote strategic ties.
To allow for transfer of technology for building combat jets locally and other joint ventures, the United States had sought guarantees for the protection of classified information and technology. It would be the first time New Delhi has entered into such a pact with any country, although the United States has such agreements in place with several countries, one of the sources said.Lockheed Martin and Boeing are both in the race for a deal estimated at over US$15 billion to supply the Indian air force with 114 fighter planes to replace its ageing fleet of Mig 21 jets.