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US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta responded positively to Defence Minister A.K. Antony's suggestion that India wanted to move beyond the buyer seller transactions and focus on transfer of technologies and partnerships to build indigenous capabilities. He told Defence Minister that the US Government will initiate measures to facilitate technology access and sharing. Panetta was accompanied by a ten-member delegation, including the US Ambassador to India and other senior officers from the US Department of Defence. The Indian delegation included the Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, Secretary (Defence Production) Shekhar Agarwal and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Dr. VK Saraswat. During the delegation level talks, which lasted about an hour, both sides took note of the ongoing bilateral cooperation between India and the US in the area of defence. They agreed that there were opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties in area of mutual interest and concern. Both sides exchanged views on the security situation in South Asia, West Asia and the Asia-Pacific and on various global security challenges, including in the area of cyber security. With regard to the security concerns the Asia-Pacific, Antony conveyed that India supports unhindered freedom of navigation in international waters for all. At the same time with regard to bilateral issues between countries, he stressed that it is desirable that the parties concerned should themselves settle contentious matters in accordance with the international law. Earlier on his arrival at the South Block here, Panetta was accorded a traditional tri-Service Guard of Honour. e He laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Antony will be hosting a dinner for Panetta later this evening.

Leon Panetta assures Antony that US will transfer technology along with sales