US, UK to deepen defence ties with India as 'partner of choice'

Highlighting the strong ties between New Delhi and Washington, US Charge d'Affaires A Elizabeth Jones said that "India is our partner of choice," at a press conference in Bengaluru on the eve of Aero India 2023.

Notably, envoy Jones will be opening the USA Partnership Pavilion at Aero India 2023.

"Our impressive pavilion that will open tomorrow and our growing diplomatic and security cooperation over the last year is evidence of this. In that connection, we congratulate India on its G20 presidency and look forward to robust US participation. India and the United States are crucial partners in so many ways to ensure a free and open, prosperous, connected, rules-based and resilient Indo-Pacific region where our democracies can thrive. Indeed, yesterday was the first anniversary of President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy that underpins this commitment. So India is our partner of choice," said the US envoy.

The United Kingdom wanted to broaden and deepen its relationship with India in defence area, especially with the air force, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said at the Aero India 2023.

"Our expectation is to deepen and broaden the UK-India partnership. We're doing already in the trade, we're negotiating FTA, we're doing on students numbers. India tops for students numbers in the UK. Now we want to do it in defence area," Ellis said. He further added, "We are already doing it in the armed forces, particularly the Navy, and now Air is going to be fundamental to us."

The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 was inaugurated on February 13 at the Air Force Station at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru.

(ANI)