India-US defense partnership touted at DefExpo

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 14 (ANI): Strong defence partnership between India and the United States (US) was touted at DefExpo 2018, the key defense trade exhibition.

US Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster and Major General Bryan Suntheimer, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific, led a large and diverse U.S. delegation to DEFEXPO 2018.

The exhibitions showcased the U.S. defense industry's commitment to partnering with India to provide the highest quality, most reliable, and most technologically advanced defense equipment and systems in the world - from small arms and unmanned aerial systems to ground combat capabilities, helicopters, and our most modern fighter aircraft.

"The U.S. designation of India as a Major Defense Partner, a status unique only to India, marked a significant milestone in U.S.-India defense cooperation.Our two countries continue to augment these ties through the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative, military exercises, official visits and exchanges, and extensive sales of military systems and platforms," the statement from US Consulate in Chennai, said .

"(United States) President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are driving forward this Major Defense Partnership and our broader strategic relationship with a shared vision for peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," the statement added.

The delegation included active duty military officers, officials, and industry executives, demonstrating the depth and breadth of the commitment of the United States to its major Defense Partnership with India.

Nineteen U.S. companies exhibited their products at DEFEXPO 2018's USA Partnership Pavilion; many more U.S. companies participated.

"The way to maintain peace is through strength," said Ambassador Juster during a conversation with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a session organized by the U.S.-India Business Council. "As India builds out its defense capabilities, we want to support it."

"What the United States does with India will change the geopolitics of this region," Ambassador Juster remarked at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the USA Partnership Pavilion. "I firmly believe that, for there to be a peaceful, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific, we need to have a strong U.S.-India defense relationship. That sends a signal of strength throughout the region that no other relationship will."(ANI)