Japan Ready To Strike Big Aircraft Deal With India

Japan is ready to sign a USD 1.6 billion aircraft deal with India. Tokyo said on Sunday that talks were going on with New Delhi for the sale of Shinmaywa US-2 search and rescue aircraft.

According to sources close to the Japanese Defence Ministry, the Shinzo Abe government might reduce the price for the USD 1.6 billion deal as much as possible to finalise the deal. Sources said that Japan's main purpose is not to make any economic gain from the deal, but to help India strengthen its arsenal and boost anti-China co-operation in Asia.

A top Japanese Defence Ministry official said that they consider India as a friendly nation with which Tokyo wants to maintain 'close' ties. The official, who wished to remain anonymous, also said it was unfortunate that the deal for 12 amphibious aircraft had collapsed over pricing and technology transfer issues.

The official...