The top official supported the sale of the advanced F-35 stealth fighter to India in the wake of strengthening the partnership.
The relationship between the US and India is poised to become the most consequential bilateral relationship of the 21st century, said Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. US Navy Commander, US Pacific Command.
“The U.S.-India strategic partnership continues to advance at a historic pace and has the potential to be the most consequential bilateral relationship of the 21st century,” Harris told the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday.
“The U.S. and India maintain a broad-based strategic partnership that is underpinned by shared democratic values, interests, and strong people-to-people ties, and I expect 2018 to be a significant and 43 eventful year in U.S.-India relations,” he added.
While both the nations want global stability and rule-based international order, the US and India can extend their co-operation in many areas including maritime security and domain awareness, counter-piracy, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and coordinated responses to natural disasters and transnational threats.
Harris identified India among the most significant partners of the US in coming years especially due to its growing influence among other nations and expanding military. While India is open to strengthening its partnership with the US following the emergence of a new generation of politicians, the US seeks “an enduring, regular, routine, and institutionalized strategic partnership with India,” noted Harris.
The top official supported the sale of the advanced F-35 stealth fighter to India in the wake of strengthening the partnership.
“At the moment, India is considering a number of US systems for purchase, all of which USPACOM fully supports: the F-16 for India’s large single-engine, multi-role fighter acquisition program; the F/A-18E for India’s multi-engine, carrier-based fighter purchase; a reorder of 12-15 P-8Is; a potential purchase of SeaGuardian UAS; MH-60R multi-role sea-based helicopter; and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter,” said Harris.
The US sees India as an important ally in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the wake of growing Chinese aggression. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had reiterated the policy of the Trump administration to strengthen the bilateral co-operation during his visit to India last year.