Article Posted on : - Feb 10, 2025

Indian Air Force's Jaguar aircraft fly past in Arjun formation during the inauguration of the 15th edition of Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Airbase in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. A PTI Photo

BENGALURU (PTI): Chargé d’Affaires of the U S Embassy in New Delhi, Jorgan K Andrews, on Monday, expressed confidence that defence cooperation will remain a major pillar of the US-India bilateral relationship, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump are set to meet on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony after inaugurating the US Partnership Pavilion at Aero India 2025 here, he emphasised the United States’ commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation with India.

"Our US-India defence cooperation is off to a great start with the new Trump administration in Washington. Mr Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister of India) attended our inaugural ceremonies for the President," he said.

According to him, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have already had one phone conversation, and they will be meeting in person on Thursday.

"So we are very excited about these opportunities. We have every reason to expect that defence cooperation will remain a major pillar of the US-India bilateral relationship," he said.

"President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have discussed the need to deepen defence trade between our nations. I am happy to report that, from small start-ups to robust public sector undertakings and the expanding private defence sector, bilateral defence trade is growing," Andrews said.

The United States is one of the largest international exhibitors at Aero India 2025, featuring leading American aerospace and defence firms showcasing next-generation aircraft, advanced avionics, unmanned systems, space technologies, and innovative defence capabilities.

Throughout the event, the US government and industry participants will highlight and promote technology sharing, joint ventures, and industrial partnerships that support the US-India Major Defence Partnership.

"The US defence industry has demonstrated its commitment to partnering with India to provide high-quality, technologically advanced defence equipment and systems that are considered among the most operationally reliable in the world," he added.