"Increased defence trade and cooperation is vital part of advancing our partnership. India now conducts more military exercises with the US than any other country and defence trade has increased over the past decade.
"Expanding trade and cooperation provides a win-win for the US and Indian national security interests," Eric L Hirschhorn, Under Secretary for Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce, said.
He was speaking at the ninth meeting of India-US High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG).
"...Cooperation in science and technology, timely procurement processes, co-production and co-development will further strengthen our security relationship," he added.
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HTCG has become a valuable platform for discussing high technology trade between the two countries.
He also said that in the area of homeland security, India and the US are essential partners for combating terrorism.
In the HTCG meeting, the discussions would also include homeland security technologies, he said adding "our companies also seek mutually beneficial opportunities to develop India's healthcare infrastructure and expand medical devices sector".
"These actions will increase efficiency, timeliness and security of supply for sale of such parts and components to India," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh hoped that the US companies will take advantage of the 'Make in India' initiative and recent policy changes to set up manufacturing units in India.
At present, bilateral trade between the two nations is around USD 100 billion. The US-India Business Council (USIBC) had said bilateral trade could touch USD 500-billion mark over the next one decade.