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Journalism of Courage
In a sign of growing Indo-US ties on Defence-related issues, Washington has offered direct sales of key spare parts of the Sea Harrier aircraft and Sea King helicopters. The US offer is a boost for the Navy as both aircrafts serve as the backbone of the maritime air strike arm. Both were almost grounded when the US-imposed sanctions in the aftermath of the Pokhran tests.
‘‘At the recent meetings between US and Indian military officers, the US has offered online sales of these spares to New Delhi’’, Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral John Desilva said.
However, New Delhi has expressed concern at the US offer to Pakistan to sell them six C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. ‘‘So long as Pakistan continues its policy of confrontation with India and so long as it continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism, any accretion to Pakistan’s military strength, irrespective of the source, would be a matter of concern,’’ an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the US offer of direct sales means that New Delhi will not have to wait for routine supplies from the British who would seek clearance from Washington for supplying these spares.
