Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)

Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)

Part of: Prelims and GS-II – International Relations and GS-III – Defence and security

Context As part of efforts for co-production and co-development of defence equipment under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), India and the U.S. agreed on a revised Statement of Intent (SOI) to strengthen the dialogue by “pursuing detailed planning and making measurable progress” on several specific projects.

What is the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)?

• Created in 2012, under the Obama administration. 
• Aim: To enhance cooperation between India and the USA in the defence production and trade sectors by overcoming impediments due to “unique national bureaucratic structures, acquisition models, and budget processes.
• It involves bilateral dialogues and engagements between senior-level representatives from India and the US.

Four Joint Working Groups 

• Four Joint Working Groups focused on land, naval, air and aircraft carrier technologies had been established under the DTTI to promote mutually agreed projects.
• The two sides recently signed the first project agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under the Joint Working Group Air Systems.

Defence Industry Collaboration Forum

• A virtual expo of the Defence Industry Collaboration Forum was also conducted
• This forum offers an opportunity for Indian and U.S. industries to be directly involved in DTTI and facilitates dialogue between government and industry on issues that impact industrial collaboration.