NEW DELHI, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S.-India Business Council announced its largest U.S. executive defense mission to India is taking part in the DefExpo defense industry exhibition.
In an effort to deepen U.S.-India commercial ties USIBC board member, William Cohen, former U.S. secretary of defense, retired Adm. Walt Doran and retired Gen. Paul Kern are leading the U.S. defense delegation comprised of America's top defense companies at the annual DefExpo running through Tuesday.
"As the U.S. prepares for its largest-ever foreign military sale to India of C-130 J Transport Aircraft, as well as direct commercial sales of P-8 Naval Reconnaissance planes, the promise of deeper U.S.-India defense cooperation is a now reality," Cohen said in a statement. "With collaborations and joint ventures between U.S. and Indian firms already underway, U.S. companies are looking forward to being a reliable supplier and trusted partner for the long term."
U.S. defense companies see the emerging market in India as an opportunity for growth sparked by greater cooperation between the United States and India under the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership initiated by the two governments in 2001.
"As the United States and India deepen their partnership in defense cooperation, jobs are being created in India as well as in the U.S., spurred by technology trade and high-end manufacturing," Ron Somers, USIBC president said. "This is a true win-win for both sides."
