Concerned at the slow progress in key areas of dual-use technology, civilian space and nuclear bilateral ties, the US has assured India that it will adopt a “top down” approach to push cooperation on these trinity issues.At his recent meeting in London with National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is believed to have conveyed the message that Washington would give clear-cut political directions to the departments concerned to show progress in these critical areas.The slow movement is despite President George Bush and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee deciding, as early as November 2001, to enhance cooperation in these key areas.Vajpayee, too, raised the issue with Armitage on the latter’s visit to New Delhi last Saturday, stressing the need for Washington to push these areas on the fast track.The first meeting of the bilateral high-tech (dual use) group is scheduled to take place on July 1-2, say sources. According to a US State Department spokesman the group, which was set up on February 4, will meet both in India and the US.South Block feels that while there has been some movement on dual-use commerce, bilateral progress on civilian space and nuclear cooperation has not matched expectations on both sides. A classic example of the slow movement on high-end technologies is the Phalcon airborne early warning control systems (AWACS) deal between India and Israel.The US plays a significant role in giving the go-ahead to this $3.5 billion deal, due to its leverage with Israel and its support in development of the PHALCON radar, which is the heart of the force multiplier.On January 10, 2002, Washington conveyed to India that it was giving a go-ahead to Israel on deal. The same commitment was given to Defence Minister George Fernandes, who visited Washington a week later.However, the fact is that Washington has still not conveyed its approval to Israel. This topic was again raised by New Delhi with Armitage last week and the latter assured that US will soon tell Tel Aviv to go ahead with the deal.
