India-US Ties: The U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi, Jorgan Andrews, stated on Sunday that defence cooperation plays a crucial role in the strategic relationship between India and the United States. He emphasised that the two countries are committed to strengthening their partnership through collaboration in defence, trade, and training.
“The U.S. is excited to once again participate in Aero India and to spotlight our strong defence ties with India. Our cooperation in defence, trade, and training is integral to our growing strategic partnership,” he said according to The Hans India.
Aero India 2025, one of Asia’s most significant aerospace and defence exhibitions, will take place in Bengaluru from 10th February. The United States has confirmed its participation for the fifteenth time and will send a delegation led by Jorgan Andrews.
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The delegation includes General Kevin Schneider, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Brigadier General Patrick Teague, the Senior Defence Official for the U.S. Mission in India, and Chris Hodges, the Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. The American presence at the event aims to highlight the deepening collaboration between the two nations in defence and technology.
According to an official statement, the U.S. will present a range of advanced aircraft at Aero India 2025, underscoring its commitment to regional security, stability, and economic cooperation with India. More than two dozen American companies will participate, engaging with Indian industry leaders to explore new business opportunities and showcase innovative aviation and defence solutions.
“During the event, the U.S. will showcase a range of advanced aircrafts, reinforcing the strong and growing defence and aerospace partnership between the two countries, which share a commitment to promoting regional security, stability, economic prosperity through diversified trade, and strategic investment ties,” the statement read. The exhibition will feature technological advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), fighter jets, advanced avionics, and defence electronics, highlighting the latest developments in American aerospace and defence industries.
Since the previous Aero India event in 2023, defence ties between India and the U.S. have grown significantly. This has been evident in areas such as technology collaboration, increased trade, and joint efforts in maritime security, cybersecurity, logistics, and counterterrorism. General Kevin Schneider noted that the upcoming exhibition in Bengaluru is an excellent platform to display American defence aircraft and equipment, further strengthening military cooperation.
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“The Aero India 2025 is an ideal forum to showcase U.S. defence aircraft and equipment and ultimately contribute toward our compatibility and interoperability with other nations,” he remarked. He also pointed out that the increasing defence trade between the two nations has led to improved interoperability through information sharing, liaison officers, joint training exercises, and various defence agreements.
Highlighting the importance of India-U.S. ties, General Schneider stated that the growing complexity of security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region makes this partnership more significant than ever. “The growth in Indian and U.S. bilateral defence trade has corresponded with growing interoperability through information sharing, liaison officers, training exercises, and defence enabling agreements,” he said, adding that both nations are working closely to enhance military compatibility.
Visitors to Aero India 2025 can expect to see a display of U.S.-made defence equipment, including aircraft such as the F-16, F-35, KC-135 Stratotanker, and B-1 bomber. In addition to showcasing military technology, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific will perform during the event. Their 10-member ensemble, known as Final Approach, is based at Yokota Air Base in Japan and will entertain audiences at various locations.
The band will perform at Aero India on 13th and 14th February and will also hold a special concert at 5:00 p.m. on 11th February at the Christ University Auditorium in Bengaluru. “The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific’s 10-member ensemble, Final Approach, based out of Yokota Air Base in Japan, will perform for the public throughout the week: at Aero India 2025 on February 13 and 14 and at 5:00 p.m. on February 11 at the Christ University Auditorium, Campus Road in Bengaluru,” the statement added.
