US cos eyeing $30 bn defence procurement

Encouraged by US-India nuclear partnership, a delegation of 52 US companies have flocked to Bangalore for Aero-India 2007.

Encouraged by US-India nuclear partnership, a delegation of 52 US companies have flocked to Bangalore for Aero-India 2007. Apart from the $30 billion worth of defence procurement slated for the 11th five year plan for which the companies will demonstrate their air and fire power between February 7-11, many participants have long-term investment plans.

Product sales is only one part of the Rs 1,35,000 crore story. The other is their interest in setting up joint ventures for production bases in India.

At a press conference here, former US secretary of defence and chairman and CEO of Cohen Group William S. Cohen said, “The delegation is here to demonstrate its commitment for a robust defence relationship with India.”

Commenting on US-Pakistan relationship, former US ambassador to India, Thomas R. Pickering said, “Our relationship with India does not preclude us to have similar terms with other countries. We are satisfied that the defence procurement process in India would be very open and transparent especially after going through the defence policy. We have bright chances of doing good business because the quality and price of our products are unmatchable.”