The Government of India requested the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency for equipment to protect its soldiers against biological and chemical warfare.
The U.S. government has approved a $75 million foreign military sale of high-tech chemical protective clothing. The Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology consists of 38,034 each: suits, pairs of trousers, pairs of gloves, pairs of boots and NBC bags; 854 aprons; 854 alternative aprons; 9,509 Quick Doff Hoods; and 114,102 M61 filters. The entire package also includes 38,034 M50 general purpose masks.
NDTV reports that in its notification to the Congress, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said this proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States, by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in South Asia.