US just made changes to its export control laws and this is going to benefit India to build military items

The US made few necessary and important changes in its export control laws and recognising India as a 'Major Defence Partner'.

This is going to benefit India immensely by facilitating smoother transfer of technologies and arms to it.

The new rule that makes necessary changes in the export control laws "creates a presumption of approval" for Indian companies seeking to import Commerce Department-controlled military items, except Weapons of Mass Destruction-related goods.

This means that only under the rarest circumstances will India be denied licenses, a source familiar with the changes said.

"I'm pleased to see India's status as a 'Major Defence Partner' a designation that we have strongly supported be translated into tangible regulatory reform," said Mukesh Aghi, president of US India Business Council (USIBC).

The new rule also amends the law so that companies will not need a license at all after becoming a Validated End User (VEU).

"Indian and US companies operating in India can seek VEU status for both civil and military manufacturing, and by doing so not need to obtain individual licenses. This makes it far more convenient to build a global supply chain and react quickly to changing market conditions," explained Benjamin Schwartz, USIBC's Director for Defence and Aerospace.

Over 810 licenses representing some USD 5 billion in trade in the last half decade have been granted for goods covered under this new rule.

"This is a very favourable policy for Indian companies. The rule will make business substantially easier for Indian companies in the defence sector, especially those partnering with American companies. This gives Indian companies and US companies operating in India the ability to be reactive in real time to meet their supply chain needs," Schwartz said.