The Hindu : National : U.S. wants bigger share of Indian arms market

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 09, 2005

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National

U.S. wants bigger share of Indian arms market

By Our Special Correspondent

David C Mulford

BANGALORE, FEB. 8. With India indicating that it will source military equipment from more countries, the U.S., which has a small market share in this sector, intends to become a major player, the U.S. Ambassador in India, David C. Mulford, has said.

Mr. Mulford, who is in Bangalore for the Aero India show with a strong contingent of military personnel, today said the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, which was at an "all-time high," was getting better and that greater military cooperation was an integral part of the ties.

Acknowledging that India was a major buyer of military equipment, the U.S. was looking at the market here and could promise reliability of supply and cost of product, he said.

The U.S. has a strong presence at the air show, with 51 U.S. personnel and top-of-the line aircraft.

Expressing satisfaction at the progress of joint military exercises, ship-calls, and visits of officers between the two countries, Mr. Mulford said that at present, most of the U.S. engagement with India related to military exercises as against equipment sale.

He said the U.S. wanted to continue these bilateral exercises and also improve cooperation on the humanitarian front, as during the relief work for those affected by the tsunami.

F-16 deal

Asked about the proposal to sell F-16 aircraft to Pakistan, Mr. Mulford said the U.S. had "not reached any kind of decision, and I cannot speculate on what will happen."

With regard to India's entry into the United Nations Security Council, he said the U.S. stand would be made known after the release of the second report of the U.N. Secretary-General in March this year.

H1-B visa

When asked whether there would be an increase in the H1-B visa quota, Mr. Mulford said the decision would be taken by the U.S. Congress. Rear Admiral Mark Milliken said the U.S. would continue to retain the Diego Garcia base.

The U.S. was hoping for more cooperation with India on the naval front, he added.

As to the Hawkeye aircraft being incorporated into the Indian Navy, he said it was a competitor to an Israeli aircraft.

The U.S. Navy would work with its Indian counterpart on its aircraft needs, he said.

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