Manohar Parrikar set to discuss Pak terror in US

Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar, who is on his maiden visit to the US, is likely to do some “plain talking” on cross-border terrorism by Pakistan and also articulate India’s stand on the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East during a crucial meeting with his US counterpart Ashton Carter.

Sources disclosed Mr Parrikar will “plainly” tell the US that its policy of engaging Pakistan was not working. He will also be telling Mr Carter that the American military and foreign policy in the Middle East and Afghanistan “are not very sound” and not working properly. He will also express his concern over Islamabad’s “threat” to use tactical nuclear weapons against India.

Mr Parrikar’s visit comes against the backdrop of reported US plans to sell eight F-16 fighters and 15 Bell AH 1Z Viper attack helicopters to Pakistan. He is also likely to articulate India’s stand on this.

India’s concern about the US policy in Middle-East relates to the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) which recently carried out terror strikes in Paris killing more than 130 people. Besides Pakistan and the security situation, Mr Parrikar will also take forward the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) as both countries work towards greater collaboration in joint development and manufacture of next-gen military technology, sources said.

Both Mr Parrikar and Mr Carter will review the functioning of the joint working group on aircraft carrier and identify technologies India could acquire in future. The two are also expected to discuss possible programmes that could be taken up under the Make in India initiative.

A forward movement is also expected in India’s decision to acquire 145 pieces of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers from the US under a government deal that would see its manufacturer BAE Systems invest over $200 million in India as offset.

Mr Parrikar is also scheduled to visit the powerful Hawaii-based US Pacific Command, the first by an Indian defence minister. Its area of responsibility includes China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and Vietnam.