BENGALURU: Don Heflin, US Chargé d’Affaires, on Tuesday said that the Indo-US defence partnership goes beyond trade and said the country was committed to further ties to achieve common interests and goals of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
Answering a specific question on India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign which strives to indigenise and reduce dependence on foreign products and technology as a strategy, Heflin, said: “We recognise India’s ambitions of having a vibrant and indigenous defence industrial sector. Indo-US relationship goes beyond defence manufacturing and trade, we’ve signed several foundational defence agreements and have regular engagements and exercises.”
On India’s procurement of S-400 missile systems from Russia, and the US’ threat of invoking its Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on the Indian Air Force (IAF), he said: “We’re aware of reports regarding India’s plans of purchasing missiles, including the S-400 systems. Some people ask if there’s a blanket waiver for countries, which is not the case. It is on a case-by-case basis. We’ve not made any waiver determination in respect to Indian transactions with Russia.”
He was speaking at the US Embassy’s conference on Aero India, and reiterated that the country’s participation at the show was an example of the deepening defence and strategic partnership with India and that it reflects the increasing close bilateral defence ties and shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Heflin, who will lead a high-level delegation of US government officials and defence industry representatives at Aero India, said: “Our participation will show our Steadfast support to US firms. It also demonstrates the depth and breadth of the US-India partnership, which we wish to further.”
As reported by TOI earlier, the B-1B Lancer heavy bomber of the US 28th Bomb Wing based out of Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, will perform a ‘fly-by’ for the first time. Terming India a reliable defence partner, Heflin said the US was offering advanced military technologies besides working on greater cooperation through official visits, exchanges, joint exercises etc.
Integration of advanced US defence systems, enhanced interoperability between US and Indian militaries are among the highlights of the defence ties, he said, adding that several US firms are also working very closely with India and that a growing number of JVs continue to strengthen the network of defence partners in India. “These companies also create jobs,” he said.
Kelli L Seybolt, air force deputy undersecretary, international affairs, said: “Our presence underscores the strategic importance and the value we place on the growing relationship which is based on common interest and FOIP vision.”