India, Aug. 29 -- US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted India-US defence partnership while announcing India's plans to buy a Javelin anti-tank missile system and hinted at co-production capabilities. But there is a catch to this announcement and brings the spotlight on bureaucratic delays on part of the US administration when it comes to procurement by India under the foreign military sales route.

The decision to procure 16 units of Block 1 launch units of the Javelin missile system was taken by India immediately after Op Sindoor under the emergency procurement process, along with 64 FGM 148-F anti-tank guided missiles. The deal was worth mere Rs.292 crore, and the delivery was to be made in one year time.

However, the contract ...