Speeches and Remarks 2007

The United States and India - Reaching the Skies Together

By David C. Mulford, U.S. Ambassador to India

The U.S.-India relationship has grown dramatically since 2002 and is poised to accelerate in the years to come.  The historic initiative by the United States to change its law to restore civil nuclear relations with India is just one example of the relationship's positive dynamism and potential.  Bilateral trade has also increased broadly - with an estimated $30 billion rise in 2005 alone. 

Perhaps the most indicative features of our transformed relationship are the burgeoning people to people ties, driven by family, educational, and business connections, which have stimulated increased travel between our two great nations.

Our military relationship is an area of particularly dynamic and positive growth.  Since 2002, the United States and India have been partners in more than 30 military exercises.  Each year the complexity and size of these exercises has increased as confidence is gained between two of the world's largest militaries.  We have also begun to collaborate in cases of natural disasters, for instance during our joint efforts to provide relief to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

The participation of the United States at the Aero India 2007 air show this week in Bangalore will be the largest and most impressive display of American high-technology systems ever brought to India by U.S. defense companies, highlighting the next frontier of this military relationship.

Our participation will demonstrate to Indians why the United States is the world leader in state-of-the art aviation and military technologies - showcasing some of our best airplanes, weapons systems, and military equipment - and underscoring America's determination to become India's most important defense and aviation partner.

At Aero India 2007, U.S. defense companies will not only display our latest technologies, but will fly some of our most exciting planes in the skies over Bangalore.  Attendees will be able to watch demonstration flights of the sleek F-16 and F/A-18A fighter jets, the massive C-17 heavy-lift aircraft, the naval reconnaissance P-3 Orion, and the impressive CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter in action. Each of these planes sets the world standard for military aircraft and are utilized by many countries around the globe.

More than 20 U.S. companies that are the world leaders in technology and defense manufacturing will be present at Aero India 2007, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric and Raytheon.  These companies have unmatched experience with the development, manufacture, and servicing of new technologies, which are of growing interest and importance for the U.S.-India defense partnership.  They also set the standard in "next generation" military technologies that address the defense needs of this new century.

More than 100 countries, our allies throughout the world, already see American companies as their principal partners in defense equipment.  We believe India can also be an important partner in the development, manufacture, and supply of these technologies.  At Aero India 2007, Americans will showcase the finest defense technologies of today and the future promise of our partnership. 

This partnership in the supply and production of military equipment is only beginning.  Last year, the Indian navy purchased its first major ship from the U.S. Navy - the new INS Jalashwa.  This involved more than just an equipment exchange; it was also a transfer of training, knowledge, and skills.  The INS Jalashwa will significantly enhance India's capability to provide military and humanitarian assistance from the sea and will be a dramatic illustration of India's expanding ability to project power overseas.

Defense sales are just one element of our growing relationship.  U.S. private sector companies are building long-term partnerships with India to supply and manufacture jointly the equipment and technology India is looking for.  The recent expansion of partnerships in commercial flights between our two countries is just one indication of the potential for future accomplishment. 

Last year, Air India made the single largest purchase of commercial planes in India's civil aviation history - 68 Boeing aircraft (including 23 777s, 27 787-8 Dreamliners, and 18 Next Generation 737-800s).  The first 737 plane was delivered in December 2006 and a firm schedule is in place for receipt of the other planes from this year forward.  Jet Airways, India's largest private airline, has many Boeing planes in its fleet and is planning to launch direct flights to the US as early as this year.  Companies like GE and Pratt & Whitney are leaders in supplying jet engines to India's growing fleet of commercial aircraft and are poised to extend their record of reliability into the military realm.

Firms like Boeing, GE, and Pratt & Whitney are highly dependable partners.  They manufacture the best planes and technologies; they deliver on time; and by offering opportunities for joint manufacture and servicing in India, their products can create many tangible benefits for both our countries.  These will be win-win partnership for both India and the U.S. as we share the benefits of developing and manufacturing next-generation technology and equipment together. 

We know from our experience around the world that our aircraft are not only competitively priced, but offer the best technology, more advantageous life-cycle costs, and excellent opportunities in the production process for technology transfer and co-production. We know that India will be working with the top of the line when it works with America. 
For America, Aero India 2007 is a premier air show.  We are committing the people, technology, and resources to give the show the recognition it deserves.  The size of our contingent and the unprecedented range of technology on display signify the intense interest of American companies in the Indian market.

Our bilateral relationship with India is growing in many ways, and the military component is an important part of this growth. We want Indians to know that our presence at Aero India 2007 reflects the commitment we have made on all levels to strengthening our partnership with India.

(This signed article appeared in the Monday, February 5, 2007 edition of The Economic Times)