India on Friday took another step towards stronger relations with America.
Outlining her 2019-2020 budget, Indian financial minister Nirmala Sitharaman ended customs duties against defense imports. That means U.S. and other defense exporters are now more competitive in offering goods to India’s military. Sitharaman made clear her decision isn’t flippant: “Defense has an immediate requirement of modernization … This is a national priority.”
India recognizes Chinese efforts to control the Indian Ocean. Sustaining Chinese deference to Pakistan goes hand-in-hand with Beijing’s use of that nation for its own power-projection interests. China’s deep-water port at Pakistan’s Gwadar port stands out here.Read More…
