India and America have moved closer towards co-producing defence technology: Secretary James.
India and America have made significant progress in the direction of co-producing defence systems, United States of America Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee Jones said after her trip to the country.
"We are excited about our part of the Defence Technology Trade Initiative (DTTI). Between discussion in working groups and the growing presence of United States defence industry in India, we are optimistic about the future of co-developing and co-producing defence systems," Secretary James said in a statement on Monday.
During her three-day visit to New Delhi, Ms James met with top defence personnel including Ashok Gupta, secretary in the Department of Defence and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, as well as Vice Chief of Air Staff Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa.
"My discussions with the defence secretary and Air Chief Marshal were incredibly helpful in advancing our relations. The Indian and US Air Forces have a history of cooperation corner-stoned by the interoperability between our C-130L and C-17 fleets. We look forward to continuing dialogue as India upgrades its fighter fleet," Ms James said.
The Indian Air Force participated in the Red Flag air exercise held in America earlier this year to test interoperability and cooperation between the two air forces. India is set to host the COPE air exercise next year which will provide another opportunity for the two nations to work together American officials said.
Ms James also met with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in India and attended a lunch hosted by the American Ambassador to India, Richard Verma. During her visit, Secreatry James was accompanied by deputy undersecretary of the Air Force Heidi Grant, and the American embassy's naval attache Captain Jason Gilbert.