U.S. Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma opened the U.S. Pavilion at Aero India 2015, calling the exhibit the best of U.S. aviation and defense technology.
"Airshows like Aero India allow us to demonstrate our commitment to the strategic relationship with key international partners," Ambassador Verma said.
"And in 2015, the strategic relationship the United States has with India is one of our most important," he added.
The commitment is on full display at Aero India, which includes a high-level U.S. delegation, an impressive array of American military platforms and personnel, and significant representation from U.S. and global industry.
Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Honeywell, Esterline, Bell, GE Aviation, and Sikorsky are among the 64 U.S. companies that have set up pavilions at the Aero India show.
U.S. aircraft on display include F-15C Eagles, F-16C Fighting Falcons, KC-135 tanker, C-17 Globemaster III, and P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
U.S. participation in Aero India provides both U.S. and Indian industry and services opportunities to strengthen military-to-military relations and invigorate our defense cooperation.
Continued security cooperation between the United States and India will help safeguard against global instability, protect freedom of navigation in the air and sea, combat terrorism and violent extremism, and ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Senior officials from the Department of Defense, Department of State, and Department of Commerce joined Ambassador Verma in the U.S. delegation, including: Marcus Jadotte, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis; Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency; Alan Shaffer, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; Kenneth B. Handelman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade Controls; Major General Kevin Pottinger, U.S. Pacific Air Forces; Brigadier General David Nahom, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force; and Phillip Min, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General Chennai.
