Norms relating Indian defence technologies need reform: Powell

The US today stressed the need for review of norms regulating defence technologies in India.

The US on Thursday stressed the need for review of norms regulating defence technologies in India.

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"We each have very very complicated procedures that governs development of technologies, sharing of technologies, export and import of technlogies...trying to look at those...some of our regulations have not been revised since 1950s and 1960s..they don't reflect current role of India..and American companies are very interested in this market."

"...We are hoping that both of us can look at trade piece of that...our side looks at export...India will continue to look at its acquisition process and see how it can be streamlined ..given complexities of these issues, it is not going to be overnight effort...I see it as part of the continuity with the second Obama administration," US ambassador Nancy Powell said at the World Economic Forum in Gurgaon.

Asked about deputy secretary of defence Ashton Carter's remark about the US involvement in developing India's indigenous defence technologies, she said US companies are very interested in it and suggested the need for revising certain regulations to make it possible.

Asked how she was looking at Indo-US relationship in the next six months, the ambassador said it is likely to be reviewed so that the cooperation can be further expanded.

Asked about the US position on Pakistan sticking to the Kashmir issue, she evaded a direct reply and said the US was "encouraged" to see the new visa regime and initiative for better economic ties between the two neighbours.