India, US boost defence pact

US approves sale of Excalibur projectiles, Javelin missile system to India worth nearly $93mn

- AGENCIES

The US has approved the sale of Excalibur guided artillery projectiles, Javelin antitank missile system and related equipment worth nearly $93 million to India, saying it will improve the country’s capability to strengthen its defence and deter regional threats.

The proposed sale would be India’s first major purchase of US defence equipment after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent in August for the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

The US said the sale will improve the security of a “major defence partner”, which continues to be an “important force” for political stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency said Wednesday that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of Excalibur Projectiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $47.1 million and of Javelin Missile System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $45.7 million.