US offers THAAD Missile to India

                                 THAAD Ballistic Missile

The United States has offered India the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, but India hasn’t warmed to it. The Indian Defence Ministry is not keen to begin discussions on the subject either during the 2 PLUS 2 meeting when the US secretary of state and US defence secretary will interact with the Indian external affairs minister and the defence minister on September 6. Even separate discussions aren’t on the agenda.

This decision comes in the wake of India successfully concluding negotiations with Russia for the transfer of the S-400 air-defence missile system. India is happy with the negotiations having shaved off $1 billion off the asking price.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s development of the anti-missile system is also taking place. A large number of tests have been successful.

On the other hand, India is prepared to begin discussions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, armed and unarmed with the USA. The USA is keen on more weapons transfers to India. In recent months, there has been a decision to buy an additional C-17.