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US pushing Boeing sale to India

In the face of a move by Indian Airlines to acquire an all-Airbus fleet of 43 aircraft, the US on Thursday said it was in touch with the Indian government for selling Boeing planes for IA and Air-India.

When asked whether Washington has approached new Delhi about Boeing sale, US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill answered in the affirmative.

Blackwill, who met Civil Aviation Minister Shahnawaz Hussain twice during the past few months, said: "We believe Boeing is a great airplane. So, of course, we would like it to be purchased wherever including by India. (But) that is a decision for India to make".

He termed Washington's move as "normal diplomatic practice".

Asked if the US has cleared the sale of Israel-made Phalcon surveillance radars for the Indian defence forces, Blackwill said: "It is under discussion in Washington".

While IA board had this March decided to acquire 43 Airbus aircraft over the next five years, a move, which is yet to get governmental clearance, A-I board on Wednesday decided to acquire 17 planes but did not specify from which company.

Besides Blackwill, former US Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering, who is now Vice President of Boeing Corporation, met Indian leaders in New Delhi a few months ago to lobby for the aircraft produced by the US manufacturer.

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