India on Friday took another step towards stronger relations with America.

Outlining her 2019-2020 budget, Indian financial minister Nirmala Sitharaman ended customs duties against defense imports. That means U.S. and other defense exporters are now more competitive in offering goods to India’s military. Sitharaman made clear her decision isn’t flippant: “Defense has an immediate requirement of modernization … This is a national priority.”

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