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Feb 2007

US envoy Mulford sees potential for economic
growth in air show
by Suman Sharma

     Bangalore: United States Ambassador to India David Mulford said here that there has been a heightened increase in the participation of US companies in the Aero India Show as compared to the last one, keeping in mind the moving displays of aircraft participating as compared to their static display two years back. Interacting with the press, Mulford said, "Though the request for tenders for the 126 multi role combat aircraft to be acquired by the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been floated, but the American companies participating are hopeful of an increased partnership between both nations." Hinting at possible joint ventures, local productions, technology transfer and investing in offsets, Mulford further clarified that the US participation in the sixth Aero India Show to be held here from February 7-11 will benefit both countries as the Government of India is diversifying its sources of supply, which is why the US companies are heavily represented. Competing across the board are 52 companies from the US , with defence biggies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Bell, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. Out of the 52 US participating companies, 20 of them considered world leaders in technology and defence manufacturing well roar over Bangalore skies beginning tomorrow.

     In a press interaction in New Delhi on February 5, the Chairman of the US India Business Council, William Cohen, on being asked about America's chance of bagging the biggest ever Indian air Force deal, had said that the American products were the best and were available at the best prices, which made their chances bright. To be displayed in action tomorrow would be the American F-16s, F-18 Super Hornets, C-17, P C-3 Orions and C 130 J aircraft. Talking about the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, Mulford said that the US was committed to India in becoming a global player and expected the negotiations in the 123 Agreement to go forward. Calling offsets which formed a part of the new defence procurement procedure of India , an important tool, where 30 percent of the deal had to be invested back Mulford said that it would bring a business opportunity for the country as a whole. Also present at the interaction were the Senior Vice President of Boeing International Relations and former US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas R Pickering, Lieutenant General Jeffery Kohler and Chairman of USIBC William Cohen. The event, one of the largest international exhibitions organised in the country is being jointly organised by the department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Farnborough International Limited (FIL), making it 45 percent international participation and domestic private industry participation 40 percent. Companies from over 30 countries will display their wares. Close to a 100 aircraft are expected to participate with around 40 in the international category, and 60 commercial aircraft.
-Feb 6, 2007