WASHINGTON, D.C. - Seeking to deepen its bilateral defense and strategic ties with India, the US plans to sell to the country 145 state-of-the-art 155mm towed Howitzers worth $647 million.

Describing India as an important force for “political stability, peace and economic progress in South Asia,” the Pentagon has notified the US Congress that it plans to sell 145 M777 155mm light-weight towed Howitzers to India.

“The howitzers will assist the Indian army to develop and enhance standardization and to improve interoperability with US Soldiers and Marines who use the M777 as their primary means of indirect fire,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement to the Congress.

“India intends to use the howitzers to modernize its armed forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions,” the agency said.

It also said the sale of Howitzers will contribute to the US’ foreign policy and national security by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship.

India will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces, the agency said, adding the sale will not alter basic military balance in the region.

The US Marines have 380 such systems and the National Guard possesses 273 of them. Australia with 57 guns and Canada with 12 are the only foreign countries which have been supplied this state-of-the-art military equipment by the US.            (PTI)