NEW DELHI — India ranked as the third-largest purchaser of U.S. arms exports in fiscal 2011, with contracts worth $4.5 billion, according to a Pentagon report. U.S. arms sales to India included naval reconnaissance aircraft, transport aircraft, sea-skimming missiles and other weapon systems. U.S. foreign military sales (FMS) overseen by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) passed the $30 billion mark for the fourth consecutive year, with the total reaching $34.8 billion.

NEW DELHI — BAE Systems has bagged a ₤59 million ($92 million) contract from India to supply spares and ground support equipment to aid the operations of the Indian air force’s Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers. The latest order brings the total value of Hawk-related contracts won in India to more than ₤600 million in the last 18 months. Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) are manufactured in India under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), with materials, parts and support services provided by BAE Systems.

India’s tax authorities have frozen the bank accounts of cash-strapped Kingfisher Airlines and warned the company of legal action for non-payment of service taxes.