In a major move towards infantry modernization, the Defense Ministry has cleared a long-pending proposal of the Army to procure around 73,000 assault rifles from the US under fast track mode, officials said today. Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the procurement of Sig Sauer rifles.
The government told the Supreme Court that "secret" Rafale deal-related documents were stolen from the Defense Ministry and petitioners filing review pleas in the matter are relying on classified documents, violating the Official Secrets Act.
The defense agreement signed between India and the US yesterday, COMCASA, is one of the four foundational agreements that the US signs with its allies. Notably, India already has two other major pacts signed with the US, and COMCASA could mark the start of something like an 'Asian NATO'.