The US department of homeland security and the Indian ministry of home affairs (MHA) have signed a counter-terrorism security initiative that provides for joint security efforts to guard sea-ports and airports that act as entry points to both the countries. This is among the numerous agreements in several fields signed between the two countries. The US President also welcomed a “preliminary agreement” for sale of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifter aircraft by the US to India that could cost a staggering $$ 5.8 billion. Besides this, the US has also announced removal of certain DRDO and ISRO firms from the US Entity list, thus paving the way for high-technology transfer from the US to these Indian Government defence and space firms.
The counter-terrorism security initiative between the two countries will focus on increased surveillance of sea-ports, airports and borders. Indian Government sources said that there would be a joint effort by American and Indian security agencies to scan all container goods entering seaports and airports. Real-time intelligence sharing between the two countries will also receive a boost.
The fresh initiative will see US officials working along with Indian officials at major seaports to scan goods being sent to the US. Sources said that Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai will be the first seaport to witness such joint efforts between US and Indian agencies. “We are working out the modalities for having Indian officials posted at US ports,” the official said.
The joint security initiatives has been accelerated following the recent incident of security officials in Britain and Dubai intercepting two parcel bombs being sent from Yemen to the United States. The home ministry had recently directed all air and sea ports, postal department to thoroughly check any parcel coming from Yemen and Somalia. Meanwhile, the stage is also set for inking of a mega deal for acquisition of the 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The C-17s are likely to be procured through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. Boeing is positioning the C-17 as a tactical and strategic airlifter that can carry large combat equipment and troops across international distances and deliver them directly to small airfields anywhere in the world where it can take off and land in 3,000 feet or less.
In the field of agriculture, while building on the historic legacy of co-operation between the India and the United States during the Green Revolution, the two countries will also work together to develop, test, and replicate technologies to extend food security as part of an Evergreen Revolution. The Indo-US cooperation will focus on providing farmers the means to improved agricultural productivity. The US technology will help India predict its monsoon better. The partnership will provide India a role to help other countries in addressing their food security concerns. The collaboration will enhance agricultural value chain and strengthen market institutions to reduce post harvest crop losses. India and the US have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on shale gas, which will help the country to tap this new source of energy in the world. The US is a pioneer in the shale gas technology. The MoU will help India in the assessment of shale gas resources in India, conduct studies to start exploration of Shale gas and train Indian officials in shale gas technologies.