More than buyer seller relations, Antony suggests US for transfer of technology

In a major development on the front of Indo-US defence relationship, US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta has showed positive response to Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony's suggestion that India desire to move beyond the buyer seller relations. Indian defense minister emphasized that the focus on transfer of technologies and partnerships to develop indigenous capabilities.

Leon Panetta has assured Defence Minister that the US Government will take in measures to facilitate technology access and sharing.

On this trip Panetta has come with a ten-member delegation that includes the US Ambassador to India. In addition to that other senior officers from the US Department of Defence were also accompanying him. The Indian delegation included the Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, Secretary (Defence Production) Shekhar Agarwal and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Dr. VK Saraswat.

A delegation level talk was held which lasted about an hour. During this talk both sides took note of the ongoing bilateral cooperation between India and the US in the area of defence. Both sides reached at the consensus that there were opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties in area of mutual interest and concern. Views on the security situation in South Asia, West Asia and the Asia-Pacific and on various global security challenges, including in the area of cyber security were also exchanged.

In terms of the security concerns, the Asia-Pacific, Antony said that India supports unhindered freedom of navigation in international waters for all.

Talking on the bilateral issues between countries, he said that it is desirable that the parties concerned should themselves settle contentious matters in accordance with the international law.

Earlier on his arrival at the South Block here, Panetta was given a traditional tri-Service Guard of Honour. He laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

Later this evening, Antony will be hosting a dinner for Panetta.

--with inputs from ANI