‘U.S. ready to support India to modernise its armed forces’

October 19, 2009 03:15 pm | Updated November 17, 2021 06:47 am IST - Agra

U.S. Ambassador Timothy Roemer: "... Some are apprehensive about reliability of the U.S. as a supplier of military equipment to India. I can tell you that our relationship is far different than it was even a few years back.”  Photo : M. Vedhan

U.S. Ambassador Timothy Roemer: "... Some are apprehensive about reliability of the U.S. as a supplier of military equipment to India. I can tell you that our relationship is far different than it was even a few years back.” Photo : M. Vedhan

Pitching for robust India-U.S. military ties, U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer on Monday said that America is ready to support India’s drive to modernise its armed forces.

“The United States is ready to support India in its drive to modernise its armed forces,” Mr. Roemer said, inaugurating the five-day Cope India 2009 joint air exercises here.

The Ambassador also allayed fears over reliability of America as a supplier of defence equipment to India.

“I know that some are apprehensive about reliability of the United States as a supplier of military equipment to India. I can tell you that our relationship is far different than it was even a few years back,” he said.

Stating that the India-U.S. relationship had come a long way since those apprehensions were formed, he said “this is a different world today. Our cooperation in the spheres of energy, science and technology, agriculture, education and development and trade — all point to an even stronger relationship. The defence realm will be no different.”

Referring to the C-130 Super Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, the U.S. Ambassador said both these aircraft were the U.S. airforce’s work horses.

“I can assure you that IAF will be very pleased with the decision to purchase the C-130J. Your first aircraft will arrive in early 2011, a little over a year from now, and it will be everything you hope it to be. We are proud to partner with you on this important programme,” he said.

India has ordered for six C-130J aircraft for its special forces operations and these aircraft will be based at the Hindan air base in Ghaziabad near the national capital.

With regard to C-17, Mr. Roemer said a proposal to purchase this aircraft is at present under the Indian Defence Ministry’s consideration. “Should you decide to acquire these aircraft — and I hope you will — we will do everything we can to assist you in expanding your strategic lift capability.”

C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ is an American four—engine turboprop military transport aircraft made by Lockheed Martin capable of carrying 20 tons or 92 fully armed airborne troops.

C-17 ‘Globemaster’ is a large Boeing-made military transport aircraft capable of carrying 75 tonnes or 135 troops.

On the increasing scope, complexity and tempo of the India-U.S. military exercises, Mr. Roemer said the Cope India 2009 will be the sixth air exercise between the air forces of the two countries since 2003.

“In addition, I note that the most complex U.S.-India Army exercise, Yudh Abhyas, is also currently underway a few miles down south of Agra in Babina. The deployment of U.S. Army’s Stryker (infantry combat vehicle) in this exercise as well as the IAF’s deployment to the U.S. last year for the Red Flag are examples of the increased level of engagement between our two militaries,” he said.

He said the U.S. was looking forward to next year’s Malabar naval exercise, which had grown considerably over the years.

The healthy and growing defence ties between India and the U.S., Mr. Roemer said, was part of a broader strategic partnership that derived from common principle and shared national security interests.

“As the world’s largest democracies, we agree on vital importance of political and economic freedom, democratic institutions, rule of law, security and opportunity. A strong, strategic relationship between the U.S. and India is crucial to addressing regional security challenges such as maintaining peace, security, and stability and responding to regional humanitarian crises and natural disasters when they occur,” he added.

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