New Delhi
Lisa Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for New American Security and a former White House official, emphasized the importance of the US-India partnership for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogues in New Delhi, she noted that this partnership is gaining strength through initiatives like the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) and a recent $4 billion agreement for India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones.
Curtis highlighted that these developments reflect a deepening defense and security relationship between the two countries. She pointed out the milestone agreement in June 2023 for co-producing jet engine technology as another significant step forward.
Despite facing challenges, Curtis praised both nations for maintaining their commitment to the partnership. She mentioned an upcoming Indian Ocean Dialogue that would further strengthen ties.
On a related note, Curtis welcomed the recent agreement between India and China to resume regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. She described this as a sign of India’s patience and a positive development for regional relations. The agreement, announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on October 21, comes after years of tensions following clashes along the border that began in 2020. Curtis expressed hope for improved cooperation between India and China moving forward.
