Each country develops along its own path dictated by its national interests and Make in India is a natural development for a country of the size if India.
Both United States of America and India share common values, both are democracies and there is civilian control of armed forces, so cooperation is natural in mutual benefit. Make in India is not an obstacle to the defence cooperation between the two nations, Chief of Naval Operations of US Navy Admiral John Richardson told The Hindu in an interaction on the sidelines of the CNS Press Conference organised on the eve of President’s review of the Fleet at the International Fleet Review 2016 here on Friday.
“I have read and heard a lot about India and this is the first time I am visiting the country and I am pleased with what I see,” he said. He reached India on February 2 and spent two days in New Delhi interacting with officials there prior to coming to the city to attend the IFR. He termed his stay and interaction with officials in Delhi as ‘fruitful’.
One of the focus areas for cooperation between the two navies is exchange of information and bilateral and multilateral exercises help improve exchange of information at the field level. The visit to India and interactions with Indian and other Navy leaders help to deepen relationships and expand shared maritime interests.
During his visit, the US Navy CNO is scheduled to interact with sailors from USS Antietam (CG 54), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, and USS McCampbell (DDG 85), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that are participating in the IFR.
I have read and heard a lot about India and this is the first time I am visiting the country and I am pleased with what I see
John Richardson
Chief of Naval Operations, US
