Mulford for change in defence offset policy

Bangalore, Feb 6 (UNI) US Ambassador to India David C Mulford today described the 30 per cent offset clause in the defence procurement policy of India as ''fairly restricted'' and anticipated changes to it.

Talking to newspersons on the eve of Aero India 2007 which has a large US presence, the Ambassador said the offset policy of India was in its initial days. As the country explored the experience of other countries having similar policies, it might make some changes.

Asked whether he wanted India to make some changes in the policy, he said that he anticipated they may come.

To a question, Dr Mulford said the US companies involved in defence deals have come across such offset policies imposed by several companies. While some countries where the policy had been restrictive pertaining to few departments had not witnessed progress, countries which had an open mind in offset policy had prospered and witnessed growth. Such policies should bring maximum economic benefit to the countries framing it and the US companies should also be in a position to exploit it. Some countries saw offset policies as a key economic tool for development, he added.

On the growing Indo-US military cooperation, the Ambassador said over 20 companies were participating in the Aero Show, demonstrating to Indians why the US was the woirld leader in state-of-the-art aviation and military technologies--showcasing some of the US' best airplanes, weapon systems and military equipment, and underscoring America's determination to become India's most important defence and aviation partner. The companies present in Aero India, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric and Raytheon, were world leaders in technology and defence maunfacturing. ''These companies have unmatched experience and also set the standard in 'next generation' military technologies that address the defence needs of this new century,'' he added.

Referring to over 100 countries having US companies as their principal partners in defence equipment, he said India could also be an important partner in the development, manufacture and supply of these technologies.

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