New Delhi: In a major boost to India's efforts to procure from the US advanced counter-terrorists armaments, American Congressional approvals for weapons deals of upto $ 14 million would not apply to New Delhi.

"At the just-concluded three-day crucial meeting of the Indo-US security co- operation group, it has been conveyed to New Delhi that armaments sales upto $ 14 million won't require mandatory Congressional approval," according to US officials.

The officials said it was also conveyed at the meeting, the second in the series of the group, that since October 25, the US had put India on par with Japan, Singapore and other friendly countries regarding granting of armament export licences.

Washington's step, Defence officials said, would mean that major Indian arms system requirements like ground sensors, thermal imagers, devices to neutralise improvised explosive devices and night-vision equipment could go through on fast-track basis.

PTI