In Defense of My Country

India's search for security in a difficult neighborhood faces severe constraints. Her defense strategy calls for defense modernization and India believes that gradual self-reliance in Defense Technology and a buildup of her defense R&D capabilities in high technology will enhance her security. Over the last few years, India and the United States have put a fairly good defense cooperation in place, but threat perceptions, technology and politics have changed. India and the United States have their own strategic plans that at times present hurdles in their relationship. One such hurdle is that technology and its transfer by the US and other western countries to India is inhibited by the western strategy of export controls and non-proliferation regimes. This book analyses the international scene today, need for modernization of weaponry, Indo-US relations, the Indian neighborhood, Indian and American perceptions, the Indian R&D scenario and the technology transfer situation. A study has been made of various factors influencing technology transfer and transfer models have been developed with reference to India's R&D strategy. Also addressed is the appeal of export and import of defense technology, the control regimes and Indo-US defense cooperation with the basic assumption that both India and the US have to make repeated efforts to work together to find acceptable solutions A positive Indian approach and a change in American export control policy are projected so that India and America can find common ground in their technological interaction through the years ahead.