Don Heflin, Charge d'Affaires of the United States in India, said on Tuesday that the United States is committed to strengthening its partnership with India and deepening military-to-military relationships and cooperation. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on the eve of Aero India 2021, Heflin told reporters that the United States is a reliable partner to India's defence sector, offering the world's best defence equipment.

"India plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific region, and our cooperation advances our shared vision of a rules-based international order that promotes the prosperity and security of all countries," he said.

A high-level delegation of 100 US government officials and defence industry representatives is taking part in Aero India 2021, the country's premier defence and aerospace exhibition.  

Heflin explained that the growing number of joint ventures and partnerships between U.S. and Indian defence companies continues to strengthen the robust network of defence suppliers in India, with the potential of equipping partners in the broader Indo-Pacific region. "These companies also create jobs, while producing exports for markets around the world," he observed.

He asserted that the US recognises India's desire to produce more of its military equipment.

Heflin further added that India-US defence partnership goes beyond defence manufacturing and trade. "We have signed foundational defence agreements and our military is engaged in joint exercises such as 'Tiger Triumph' and 'Malabar'," he said.

(IANS)