India, US forge closer ties

The US and India are set to enter in to an agreement to share military research data. While, on the whole, I think this is a positive step, I find it interesting that while the US and India seem to be moving closer together, India seems to be getting increasingly close to other, not necessarily pro-US, countries such as China, Syria, and Iran. India was also against the Iraq war. Like I said, I believe that the US should become closer to India for various reasons, including the fact that it is a democratic country with great economic potential. But I find it disheartening that India is getting closer to countries, such as Iran and Syria, who openly support terrorism. One would think that, given India's ongoing problem with Pakistan and Kashmir, it would know better.

India and United States are set to sign a breakthrough agreement on sharing classified military research data, according to sources on both sides.

The Master Information Exchange Agreement would mark the beginning of a new phase that would be far reaching in bilateral defence relations, officials involved in negotiations said.

According to indications the US side has hinted that the agreement would have to be signed by the defence minister or the defence secretary.

"The agreement provides a framework for exchange of classified research data in defence and thus opens a door shut till now in the bilateral front," a US official told rediff.com.

He said the agreement would take the present bilateral military relations, 'largely limited to joint exercises, high level visits and some military purchases' to a new plane where 'military scientists from both sides could be carrying out research in areas of common interest'.