Visiting India, Trump 'reveals' New Delhi will spend $3 billion to buy US attack helicopters
(Baonghean.vn) - On February 25, US President Donald Trump said India will buy $3 billion worth of military equipment from the country, including attack helicopters. The information was released in the context of the two sides deepening defense and trade relations in an effort to counter China in the region.
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| US President shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister before their meeting on February 25 at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Photo: Reuters |
Mr Trump added that India and the US were also making progress on a major trade deal. Negotiators from both sides have been working for months to narrow differences over agricultural products, medical devices, digital trade and new taxes.
On February 25, Mr. Trump held one-on-one talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after delegation-level meetings in an effort to make progress on divisive issues, mainly ongoing trade disputes.
After those meetings, Trump said his visit was productive, with deals for helicopters for the Indian military signed. India will buy 24 SeaHawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin armed with Hellfire missiles for $2.6 billion and also plans to order six more Apache helicopters later.
India is modernizing its military to narrow the gap with China and is tilting toward the United States over its traditional supplier Russia.
Additionally, Trump said the two countries were also making progress on a trade deal, which has been an area of growing conflict between them.
“Our teams have made great progress on a comprehensive trade agreement and I am optimistic that we can reach an agreement that will be of great significance to both countries,” Trump said, standing next to Modi.
Trump revealed that he had also discussed with Modi - whom he called a "dear friend" - the importance of a secure 5G telecommunications network in India, ahead of the country's planned auction of airwaves.
