Source: www.digitaljournal.com
Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 29, 2011
The U.S. India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) expresses disappointment at the Indian government’s decision to shortlist European manufacturers and entirely bypass U.S. bids in its $10 billion fighter jet deal. Boeing and Lockheed Martin were competing with Russian and European companies for a 125 fighter jets order from the Indian government, deemed to be one of the largest defense deals in the world outside the United States.
Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC said, “By choosing to reject U.S. manufacturers for this important arms procurement, India has forgone a golden opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of its relationship with the US. The US-India civil nuclear deal was a breakthrough in US-India relations. Selecting the Lockheed F16 or Boeing F18 fighter jet which are proven and reliable would have built upon this, and taken the partnership to a truly strategic level. We believe this is especially important to both countries given the increasing uncertainty throughout the region.”
For decades, Russian and Israeli military equipment has dominated Indian defense procurements. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal would have given India a chance to diversify its military procurement, at the same time reinforcing its commitment to its relationship with the United States.
Manish Thakur, Chairman of USINPAC’s National Security Committee expressed disappointment at the decision and said, “By rejecting U.S. companies, India has lost an opportunity to avail of the best proven technology and lost an opportunity to reciprocate Washington’s gestures at a mutually beneficial relationship.”
About USINPAC: The U.S. India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is a bi-partisan non-profit organization and the voice of 2.7 million Indian-Americans. It works to impact policy on issues of concern to the Indian-American community in the US. We also provide bipartisan support to candidates for federal, state and local office who support the issues that are important to the Indian-American community. For more information visit us at http://www.usinpac.com
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