New Delhi, Mar 9 (ANI): The United States Ambassador to India, Timothy J. Roemer, on Wednesday said America is looking to foster defence ties with India.
"Well, I am an optimist, an optimist about the U.S.-India strategic partnership. I am optimistic about what President Obama announced when he was here, a U.N. membership for India and entities list coming off the entities, designations and historic co-operation with India in regional and multilateral for a," Roemer told reporters on the sidelines of a conference here.
"Across the border, America is elevating a risen India to a global partner. And the MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) seems to be a logical next step in building this strategic partnership on the defence side," he added.
According to media reports, major US companies, are vying for the multi-billion contract to supply over a hundred MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) for the Indian Air Force, offering high-tech varieties including the F-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Super Viper fighters.
"We hope India will look at the technology, some of the best radar, avionics and targeting equipments, bar gun in the world, the most sophisticated technology anywhere. We hope to look at the issue of on time, on budget," said Roemer.
During his India visit in November last year, US President Barack Obama said: "US welcomes India as it prepares to take its seat at the UN Security Council. I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."
Talking about the issue of Somali pirate attacks that have been growing exponentially since 2000, Roemer said that the U.S. has been facing similar challenges, and a partnership in maritime security would prove to be deterrent to such acts of piracy and terrorism.
"We know India experiences similar phenomenon of piracy, and terrorism, and exploitation. We believe and in counter-terrorism memorandum on understanding we have recently signed in between the United States and India, that maritime security can be an area where we work together in the future," he said. (ANI)
|
|
Read More: Delhi
Comments:
