On September 15, 2020 the 10th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) was held virtually through a video conference. The aim of the DTTI group is to bring focus on bilateral defense trade relationship and to create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defense equipment.
The DTTI Group Meetings are normally held twice in a year, alternating between India and US, this time it was held in virtual mode due to the Pandemic.
Co-Chairs of 10th DTTI:
The meeting was co-chaired by Raj Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, Indian Ministry of Defence and Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, from the US Department of Defense.
Key Points:
i.Under the DTTI, Four Joint Working groups focused on Land, Naval, Air and Aircraft Carrier technologies have been established to promote mutually-agreed projects.
ii.The groups reported to co-chairs on ongoing activities and collaborative opportunities. This included a number of near-term projects targeted for completion on priority.
iii.The Co-chairs also highlighted the completion of a DTTI Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for identification and development of cooperative projects.
iv.The SOP will serve as a framework for DTTI for both sides to reach and document a mutual understanding on how to define and achieve success.
First DTTI Industry Collaboration Forum (DICF):
i.On September 10, 2020 the first DTTI Industry Collaboration forum (DICF) took place virtually. It highlighted the efforts taken to encourage US and Indian industry to develop next-generation technologies.
ii.The DICF was convened by Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Production), Michael Vaccaro, Director, International Armaments Cooperation, and Amy Murray, Director, Small Business Programs.
iii.The forum presented an opportunity for Indian and U.S. industry to be involved directly in DTTI and facilitates dialogue between government and industry on issues which impact industrial collaboration.
Statement of Intent:
i.The co-chairs also signed a Statement of Intent that declared “to strengthen our dialogue on defense technology cooperation by pursuing detailed planning and making measurable progress” on several specific DTTI projects.
ii.In July, 2020 an extract of key elements of SOP was published as DTTI Initial Guidance for Industry and distributed through Indian and U.S. Industry associations.
Recent Related News:
i.During the President of United States of America (USA), Donald John Trump State Visit to India on 24-25 February 2020 – India, U.S. finalised defence deals worth $3 billion for MH60R navy choppers, Apaches.
ii.The 11th edition of DefExpo-2020, organized by Department of Defence Production, was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) for the first time from 5th to 9th Feb 2020. Its main theme was “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”
About United States (U.S):
President – Donald Trump
Capital – Washington D.C
Currency – American Dollar
