GE deal puts India-US ties into a new orbit

GE-HAL deal signals

1  a new era in India-US ties. 

2 Technology transfer and manufacturing of jet engines in India represent a major step forward.

landmark deal between GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) that includes 

1 unprecedented technology transfer,

2  manufacturing of jet engines in India

3  and licensing arrangements

 On the American side, the significance of the deal is

1 underlined by the fact that jet engine technology is considered a strategic asset that the US hasn’t shared even with close allies. 

2 That the US government broke from practice to put together the deal represents a vote of confidence.

 For India, the agreement 

1 can make up the gap between domestic manufacturers 

2 and international standards,

3  and bolster defence deterrence and offensive capabilities.

 Of course, that this deal comes at a time when New Delhi is locked in a tense standoff 

at the Line of Actual Control with Beijing is instructive; 

the technology transfer, in fact, could help India spur its defence manufacturing and aerial power, bridging the gap with China.