US ready to share know-how for aircraft carrier with India: Ashton Carter

PANAJI: US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter today said his country was willing to share the technology for the next generation aircraft carrier of Indian Navy.

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He was speaking to reporters onboard USS Blue Ridge which is anchored at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). Carter and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar paid visit to the ship which arrived here from Mumbai.

Indo-US defence ties were going to be "defining relationship of 21st century", he said.

"That is because both our values and our interests overlap in important way and that happens with few countries around the globe and India is one of those which is influential and very important country," he said, adding that America is pleased to have partnership with India.

"We are working with the Indian Navy on technology for their next generation of aircraft carrier. India would like to migrate on flat deck design which has some advantages in terms of weight of the aircraft and others," he said, adding "we are more than willing to share it with India."

Carter, who is scheduled to hold a meeting in New Delhi tomorrow, said discussions would be held on Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).

"Agreement is very important. We can do a lot with agreement. Stay tuned for tomorrow," he said.

On supplying predator drones to India to spy on Pakistan, Carters said "Generally the US policy and approach to India is about India and its role in the region and it is not about particular neighbour. We have a relationship with India which reflects today's American way of thinking".

To a question about US policy in Asia, he said, "The US approach to this region is not to confront. We have to do what we have been doing for 70 years, that is to keep the stability and peace that has allowed economic and social miracle in modern India and China," Carter said.

To a question, he said US respected India's independence (in policy matters).

"Their (India's) policy is that of supplier of security in the region which is compatible with our policy. It is inclusive one and not exclusive one," he said.