Hi-tech aircraft deal with India: US exerts pressure

In a top secret letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, US President Barack Obama has lobbied for the Indian Air Force to buy the American Boeing and Lockheed combat aircraft, offering to provide the latest radar technology with them, even as India readies to finalise the crucial big budget purchases.

He has stressed that the technology being offered on the platter is " only provided to our closest allies and partners" and it will exceed expectations of the IAF. The technology he is talking about, as per the letter dated February 4, is " the advanced systems including the operationally proven US Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars." The letter urges the Prime Minister that the Indian government give full consideration to the commercial, technical and strategic merits of the US proposals for the IAF's multi- role combat aircraft tender.

"We are committed to continuing to offer India superior technology, including efforts to jointly develop the finest cutting- edge technologies," says the leaked White House letter, pointing out that the offer from the US government is to sell to India " two of the most advanced multi- mission combat aircraft in the world -- the Boeing F/ A 18IN and the Lockheed Martin F 16IN."

President Obama stressed that " these aircraft have a demonstrated qualitative military advantage over any current fourth generation plus aircraft, without the associated developmental or technical risks and both aircraft have an unmatched track record for reliability, resulting in lower operating and maintenance costs." His persuasive letter also stresses that the American proposals " will dramatically enhance India's own aerospace industrial base and defence capabilities" and " additionally you can be confident in the probity and transparency of doing business with American Companies."

ANTON SCUTTLES: In pursuance of Obama's letter, the US was sending its Secretary of State and Secretary of Defence to Delhi for the strategic dialogue and to remove any misgivings India still may have on dealing with the Americans.

Their visits have been, however, put on hold following Defence Minister A K Anthony who claimed he would not meet anyone of them lest he is accused of getting influenced by them at a time when the defence deals are at the crucial stage of finalisation.