US may outgun Russia in arms deals with India

BATTLEGROUND DELHI: It's a battle over arms, as India's defence exhibition Defexpo starts Saturday.

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New Delhi: Russia does not look like it's here to stay as India's top arms supplier, as US might be taking over. India's largest defence exhibition Defexpo starts on Saturday in the Capital, and the city will become the battleground for the international arms bazaar.

With China virtually out of bounds India is the most happening place for arms deals, with a $24 billion defence budget even though the Government is playing coy.

Secretary Defence Production, Pradeep Kumar says, "I will not use the words, 'arms bazaar' for this, as it's only a reflection of the growing economic strength of India."

The US is making sure it's seen as the dominant force at the Indian arms fest, with even France having a bigger participation. India's traditional arms supplier Russia will keep a lower profile, but nobody is writing off Russia just yet.

Lt General (Retd) and Director-General CII, SS Mehta says, "Countries that have known us for a long time with whom we have existing partnerships, have a huge amount of interest in what we are doing."

It's clear that New Delhi is the world's most bustling arms bazaar.

And with defence ties clearly emerging as a big driver of political ties, the pecking order of international participants at India's Defexpo, provides a glimpse into future relationships.

The focus of the exhibition is likely to be on India's requirement for over 400 military helicopters and 600 artillery guns.

The sheer size of Indian orders excites the arms bazaar, but it has to cope with endless delays and the Delhi intrigue.