PANAJI, India -- Army Materiel Command's senior leader Gen. Dennis L. Via attended India's annual defense exposition to further define and help strengthen U.S. ties with India and other nations, March 28-31.
Defexpo India 2016, in its ninth iteration, is a biennial land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibition designed to showcase the country's capabilities and its willingness to advance in the defense sector. The event is similar in many ways to another Via and AMC recently had a key role in -- the Association of the U.S. Army's Global Force Symposium and Exposition, held March 15-17 in Huntsville, Alabama.
"That event highlighted readiness and showcased cutting-edge technologies, and it brought together many of the U.S. Army's top leaders to focus on our opportunities and challenges," Via said. "With that event fresh in my mind, I look forward to the chance to compare and contrast both the technology and the dialogue," he said.
Defexpo provided an opportunity to boost joint ventures and partnerships with the more than 90 companies and nearly 50 countries and territories that participated.
"It's my pleasure to be here in India to witness the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that has evolved over a relatively short period of time," Via told a group of media during his visit. "Our efforts over the past decade, and our shared vision of advanced technology, have laid the groundwork for long-term partnership."
Continuing joint exercises and training, as well as Foreign Military Sales, helps reinforce the bond between the U.S. and India, said Via, who was accompanied by U.S. Consul General to Mumbai Thomas Vajda and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Exports and Cooperation Ann Cataldo.
"We are setting a firm foundation for long-term partnerships. These ties are strong and are growing," he said. "We look forward to continuing to strengthen our ties and work together for a safer world."
While the U.S. has six ongoing FMS cases with India, valued at more than $1.1 billion in equipment, ammunition and training, and an increase in collaboration and cooperation expected, Vajda said that's not the only long-term objective.
"I emphasize that the relationship is not just about selling equipment to India, but about the U.S. and India transforming their relationship into a co-production and co-development, in which the two governments work together on defense security and defense goals," Vajda said.
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