New Delhi: Top officials from the Pentagon affirm the burgeoning alliance between the United States and India, hailing it as stronger than ever before. Speaking before lawmakers, they underscore the pivotal role India plays, particularly in light of its ties with Russia.
Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Ely S Ratner, emphasized the robust nature of the US-India relationship, terming it vital for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Ratner highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration, including joint defense equipment production, citing progress in projects related to jet engines and armored vehicles.
Echoing Ratner’s sentiments, Navy Adm John Aquilino, Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized the deepening military cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing the increasing interoperability through joint operations and exercises.
Despite India’s participation in Brics, Ratner clarified that India’s strategic identity aligns with a multipolar international system, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where it converges with the strategic objectives of the US.
With defense trade surpassing $20 billion, the commitment to enhancing bilateral defense cooperation is evident. Initiatives like INDUS-X and the US-India defense industrial cooperation roadmap further solidify this commitment, exemplified by proposed deals like the one between G E Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics for F-414 jet engine production.
In terms of defense collaboration, both nations are striving for unprecedented levels of interoperability, as seen in joint exercises across various domains like air, land, and maritime. Examples include US B-1B Bombers’ participation in India’s AERO INDIA air show and the joint exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ in the maritime domain.
Looking ahead, efforts focus on deepening cooperation under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and enhancing maritime collaboration through agreements for ship repair, underscoring the commitment to regional stability and security.
The testimony from Pentagon officials signifies a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the evolving partnership between India and the US poised to bolster regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
