Chennai: The United States recognises New Delhi’s desire to produce more military equipment within the country, Don Heflin, US Charge d’Affaires to India said.

“We are also here to show our steadfast support to the numerous US companies participating in India’s first hybrid air show. The presence of the diverse group of military officers, government officials and industry executives demonstrates the depth and breadth of US-India partnership,” Heflin said at the Aero show in Bengaluru.

“The Indian Defence procurement is the issue for the Indian government to decide. The US recognises that India’s desire to produce more of its military equipment within the country. As this process unfolds, India will need to develop certain key capabilities with the careful use of outside procurements, to realise its ambition,” the American diplomat said, while answering a question on India’s vision for the indigenous defence sector.

The diplomat further said that the United States has been a reliable defence partner for India’s defence sector, adding that it plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific region.

Of course US-India defence partnership goes beyond defence manufacturing and trade. We have signed a foundational defence agreement like LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and our militaries regularly engage in joint exercises, Heflin said.

India plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific region and our cooperation advance our shared vision of rule-based order that promotes the international prosperity and security of all countries, he added.