Growing Defense Partnership is One of Our Greatest Success Stories: Ambassador Powell

February 06, 2013

BANGALORE: “Our growing defense partnership is one of our greatest success stories, leveraging the best innovative efforts of our governments, people, and industries into closer cooperation on regional and global security challenges, as well as the economic advancement for the people of both our countries.” U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy Powell said after inaugurating the U.S. Pavilion at the Aero India on February 06, 2012. 

“The collaboration between our two countries in the defense marketplace is evident here today.  The U.S. companies participating at this show have demonstrated a commitment to partner with India on its goal of modernizing and upgrading its defense aerospace capabilities,” she said.   

“As you know, our defense relationship has continued at a strong pace.  C-17, C-130J, and P8I procurements are now being executed.  In fact, the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently received its first Boeing C-17 strategic airlifter for flight testing.  And in 2011, the first C-130Js proved vital to the Government of India’s all-weather humanitarian relief requirements during the Sikkim earthquake.   

“Of course, the most important and enduring aspect to our growing relationship with India is our people-to-people ties for which we have all of you here today and many others to thank.   

“Your presence at Aero India 2013, and the cooperation and relationships that will flow from your participation here puts us firmly on the path to achieving our mutual goals.  For that, and all you will achieve during your time here, I congratulate you,” she added. 

Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Honeywell, Esterline, Bell, GE Aviation, Sikorsky and American Aerospace Industries Association; and other U.S. companies have set up pavilions as a part of the Aero India show.  Several U.S. military aircraft will be participating in static and flying displays.