Article Posted on : - Jun 27, 2010

The Super Hornet F/A-18E/F offered by Boeing.

WASHINGTON (PTI): As India seeks to modernise its air force, the US has pushed for greater share for American manufacturers of high-technology products and services like the Boeing and Lockheed in a bid to boost bilateral defence, commercial and trade relations.

US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, during his meeting with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma, argued that American manufacturers Boeing and Lockheed are dependable providers of high-technology products and services.

In the meeting early this week on the sidelines of the Indo-US CEOs Forum in Washington DC, the top Obama administration official urged India to favourably consider the aircraft bids by Boeing and Lockheed, who are seeking to sell their aircrafts and fighter aircraft to the Indian Air force.

Locke said the US is looking to India to set a trajectory for economic, trade and investment growth in the near-and medium-term.

"A clear plan would encourage expanded US-India commercial activity - the kind of activity that would make good on the potential it holds for both our peoples," he said.

"Locke took the opportunity to advocate for US fighter aircraft manufacturers, noting that the US government supports Boeing and Lockheed Martin bids because they have proven to be dependable providers of high-technology products and services - including aircraft - in the Indian defence sector," the US Commerce Department said.

Both Boeing and Lockheed have placed bids for aircrafts and fighter aircraft as the Indian forces seek to modernise the fleet of aircraft.

"The Indian government's medium, multi-role combat aircraft competition is tremendously important to the US with vital implications for our bilateral defence, commercial and trade relations," it said.

In 2009, the US exported approximately $ 16.5 billion in goods to India, making it our 17th-largest exporting partner.

The principal US exports to India are precious stones, metals, machinery, aircraft, spacecraft, electrical machinery and fertilisers.

As of 2008, India had invested $ 4.5 billion into the United States.

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration can help US companies increase their trade with India, offering such services as trade counselling, market intelligence, business matchmaking and commercial diplomacy.