US NSA Jake Sullivan arrives in Delhi; jet engine deal likely on agenda

According to numerous reports, Sullivan, who is one of President Joe Biden’s top foreign policy advisers, is in India to finalise a key technology deal that will allow General Electric to co-manufacture jet engines in India alongside Indian aeronautics major HAL. It is expected that the two countries will announce the deal during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to America. The deal will involve technology transfer to India and may require approval from US Congress, according to the media reports.

The successful execution of this deal would mark a pivotal leap in the defense ties between India and the US, which have significantly strengthened over the past decade. Prior initiatives to share defense technology, such as the Defense Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), found limited success. Moreover, stringent US controls on defense technology exports hampered progress on the jet engine arrangement with GE, which was shortlisted in 2010.

This Indian initiative is part of a larger strategy to foster domestic defense manufacturing capabilities by co-producing military equipment with strategic partners.

This Indian initiative is part of a larger strategy to foster domestic defense manufacturing capabilities by co-producing military equipment with strategic partners.

Sullivan’s trip is the second high-profile US visit this month to pave the way for the landmark agreement. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin previously visited India and met with his counterpart Rajnath Singh, where the GE deal was reportedly high on their agenda.

India has its eyes on the GE jet engine to power the Mark II version of the Tejas light combat aircraft, as per media reports. The nation’s previous attempts to indigenously develop jet engines, such as the Kaveri engines, have not met performance expectations.

According to media reports, India is eyeing the GE jet engine to power the Mark II version of its Tejas light combat aircraft. India’s previous efforts to build jet engines for its fighters, such as the indigenously designed Kaveri engines, have fallen short of expectations.

Updated: 13 Jun 2023, 04:35 PM IST