Congress approves sale of C17 to India

Washington, Jun 2 (PTI) The US Congress has cleared
the sale of C-17 Globemaster III strategic aircraft for India,
ahead of the crucial Cabinet-level Strategic Dialogue between
the two countries.

The Obama Administration had in April notified the US
Congress of the potential sale of 10 C-17 aircraft to India
and sought approval in this regard.
A senior Boeing official based in India told PTI that
the US Congress has technically cleared the sale of C-17 to
the Indian Air Force, which would use these aircraft for its
tactial logistics operations.
"The aircraft are being sold to India under the US
Government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the
maximum package value of USD 5.8 billion. That includes the 3.
8 per cent administrative fee that the government charges to
ensure timely delivery and guarantee the supplies," reported
India Strategic in its latest issue.
A senior Obama Administration official William Burns
had Tuesday defended arms sale to India by arguing that this
commensurate with New Delhi's expanding role as well as
America's own interest. PTI LKJ
MYR