Cyber security is a focus point of the bilateral defense cooperation

Jun 25, 2013 16:31 GMT  ·  By

The United States Department of State has published a joint fact sheet to highlight the US-India bilateral defense cooperation.

“The defense relationship encompasses military-to-military dialogues, exercises, defense sales, professional military education exchanges, and practical cooperation,” the Department of State reported.

“Both sides plan to continue pursuit of defense cooperation to mutual benefit. Both sides reiterated that the defense establishments of both countries should remain engaged through the process of dialogues, regular staff talks, reciprocal high level visits, and other exchange.”

According to the Department of State, an important milestone in defense trade has been reached with the introduction of the C-130J and C-17 aircraft into the Indian Air Force and of the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft into the Indian Navy.

Terrorism is also an issue on the agenda, meetings being held as part of the annual Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and the Homeland Security Dialogue.

The discussions between India and the US have also focused on cyber security, including topics such as critical infrastructure protection, counterfeit currency countering and illegal financial flows, and the security of the global supply chain.

“The United States and India plan to soon hold another round of whole-of-government Cybersecurity Consultations chaired by their respective national security councils to coordinate positions on cross-cutting cyber-security issues that impact international and economic security,” the US Department of State said.

“The Consultations consider overall bilateral cooperation on cyber-security, cyber-security best practices, supply-chain security, and norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace.” India and the US have also taken part in discussions on Internet freedom, Internet governance, norms of responsible behavior in cyberspace, and cybercrime cooperation.

India’s Computer Emergency Response Team and the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team also continue to efficiently cooperate, according to the Department of State.