By SPA
New Delhi : U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to pursue closer strategic ties with India after a breakthrough aircraft deal the Pentagon thinks could usher in a new era of defence cooperation, reported reuters.
Gates’ visit to India, the world’s second-fastest growing major economy, also reflects the interest of both the United States and India to counterbalance the rise of China, defence officials said.
In meetings with Indian officials over two days, Gates will make a sales pitch for U.S. defence manufacturers competing against international rivals for a fighter jet contract potentially worth $10.2 billion.
“One of the messages the defence secretary will be bringing with him is, when you purchase from the U.S. you’re getting not only the best product in the world but you have the best support system, the best maintenance package over the life of the product,” the official said.
“You also have companies that operate with integrity, which is different than what India has seen with other partners in the world. We offer the full package.”