Shiny Capstar
PROFESSIONAL
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2008
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- 248
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I'm pretty sure your concern is shared by quite a few within the US defence/foreign affairs establishment and the GoI is aware that the onus will be on India to assuage these concerns. Personally, I see signs that India is slowly beginning to reduce the dependency on Russia by exploring Western options for the next generation of Indian military hardware. The Su-30 and Gorskhov are the major Russian deals in the works, but these are counterbalanced by the P8I deal. The MRCA deal is still anybody's guess. the PAKFA is really still on paper and may indeed not go anywhere. I'm pretty sure India and US can work out some sort of arrangement which safeguards sensitive parts of the technology but gives India the flexibility to build on it.
Overall, the US is probably keen to seize the initiative from Russia and offer an unbeatable "package" that addresses India's defence needs in the foreseeable future. This US-India strategic relationship is a hot topic and I'm excited to see it all coming together.
I doubt that the Russians will win the MRCA tender as it would lead to an all Russian fighter force (until the LCA), India is in a nice position as it has flashed it's cash and everybody wants a piece. Whether I think it is for better or worse makes no difference.
I also think the US is going to try and get India on side to counter China a bit (India alone will not be able to do this) and be there in case there is a future problem with Pakistan. I have my theories on why this missile system is being offered...