New Delhi: U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti has emphasized that both India and the United States see a bright future together. He also noted that commerce, technology, people, and security are essential components of this important partnership.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the last conclave of the U.S.-India Defense News project series, “Dialogues on Deliverables to Deliveries,” in Delhi, Ambassador Garcetti said, “We know that heads think the same and hearts feel the same but need to know if our feet are aligned too.” The event concluded with enlightening discussions and a forward-looking agenda for the U.S.-India defense partnership.
The U.S.-India relationship is a deep, broad commitment and friendship, valuing trust and principles over win-or-lose. Ambassador Garcetti emphasizes that when the two largest democracies come together, it reflects the value of principles as guiding light for peace.
The US is committed to India’s long-term partnership in technology, defense, start-ups, tech, and space, aiming to foster a strong relationship for mutual benefit, job opportunities, and system knowledge,he added.
This summit was organized by by the U.S. Mission to India in partnership withdday- CUTS International, the United Service Institution of India (USI), and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
The inaugural sessions focused on India-U.S. defense ties, current initiatives, and future growth areas. Following, two sessions focused on co-design, co-develop, and co-produce, and space cooperation, focusing on maritime security and ocean diplomacy.
Rear Admiral Michael Baker, the Defense Attache of the U.S. Embassy, in his opening remark on day- 2 emphasized the importance of India and the United States’ political resolve and capability in deterring war.
Vishesh Negi, Joint Secretary of International Cooperation, Ministry of Defense, Government of India, stated that India and the US are natural allies in the 21st century, focusing on mutual prosperity, military, and security.
The media’s role in influencing public opinion, dispelling false information, and disseminating success stories of bilateral defense cooperation was highlighted at the panel discussion “Fourth Pillar of Democracy: An Informed View of U.S.-India Defense Relations,” which featured prominent journalists covering the defense industry from major national media outlets.
The concluding session, titled “The Road Ahead: Indo-US for the ‘Global Good,'” described the partnership’s future steps, which included overcoming difficulties, developing joint production and technology collaboration, and working within multilateral frameworks such as the Quad.
Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi, emphasized the need for more conclaves to demystify aspects of the military and security relationship, recognizing that clarity and understanding are crucial for effective service to Indian and American citizens.
The event, attended by Major General BK Sharma of the United Service Institution of India and Secretary General Pradeep S. Mehta of CUTS International, highlighted the importance of the U.S.-India partnership in the current geopolitical context.
Mehta emphasizes the importance of India’s development of its defense and civil industrial base for global security and prosperity, urging the US to recognize India as a strategic partner.
Dr. Mukesh Aghi, CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, advocated a win-win collaboration between the two democracies, urging faster integration of private players.
