August 7, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-us-Sani 8, 1424

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WASHINGTON, Aug 6: The Indo-US defence policy group, which began a two-day meeting here on Wednesday, is expected to consider New Delhi’s request for acquiring dual-use technology and other sophisticated weapon systems from the United States.

A delegation, led by Defence Secretary Ajay Prasad, has come here for the meeting. It includes officials from the external affairs ministry and senior military officers.

An Indian spokesman told reporters that the meeting would consider the entire gamut of defence cooperation between the two countries “including training, exercise, acquisition and dual-use technology.”

Last year, India and the US held a series of joint exercises, involving all the three services, and similar exercises are planned for next year. There is at least one military programme a month between the two countries.

India is looking into the American defence market for procuring nuclear, biological and chemical suits, equipment for special forces, ground sensors and other sophisticated items.