Industrial Security Annex opens Indian private partnerships for U.S. defence firms
The HinduThe Industrial Security Annex, signed between India and the U.S. at the second 2+2 dialogue in Washington, will open the door for U.S. defence companies to partner with the Indian private sector for several multi-billion dollar deals in the pipeline, especially the deal for 114 fighter jets. “We hope that this will enable smooth transfer of classified technology and information between private entities of the U.S. and India,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at a press conference after the talks. US Secretary of Defence Mark Thomas Esper stated that the ISA would “facilitate collaboration between our defense industries by supporting the secure transfer of key information and technology.” The ISA is a part of the General Security Of Military Information Agreement, which India signed with the U.S. long back. Mr. Singh stated that one of the major movements over the last year has been steps to operationalise the COMCASA enabling most of the U.S.-origin platforms with “secure communication capability.” Mr. Singh said they had been holding regular meetings for this and taking necessary steps to open the COMSEC account.