http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Forward-together/articleshow/5473680.cms
Times of India January 19, 2010 Forward, together Robert M Gates -[T]he security threats and challenges of the 21st century present new opportunities for our nations and militaries to work together in unprecedented ways....India can be a net provider of security in the Indian Ocean and beyond - making valuable contributions to stability operations across the globe. In many respects, that belief is at the heart of the 2005 defence framework agreement, which, five years in, has amply demonstrated how much our countries have to gain from a long-term, reliable defence relationship. Two years ago, during my first visit to India as the United States secretary of defence, I was struck by how much our relationship had improved since I was last in government in the early 1990s. With its dynamic free market and thriving democracy, India has emerged as a world power - one of the greatest shifts in the strategic landscape in recent memory. Our shared values and convergent interests form the foundation of our relationship - and have drawn us together even as governments have changed in our respective countries. At the same time, the security threats and challenges of the 21st century present new opportunities for our nations and militaries to work together in unprecedented ways. I arrive in New Delhi today believing firmly that we must seize these opportunities because the peace and security of South Asia is critical not just to this region, but also to the entire international community. India can be a net provider of security in the Indian Ocean and beyond - making valuable contributions to stability operations across the globe. In many respects, that belief is at the heart of the 2005 defence framework agreement, which, five years in, has amply demonstrated how much our countries have to gain from a long-term, reliable defence relationship. One of the great successes in recent years has been the increase in the number and complexity of joint training exercises between our militaries - exercises that not only increase trust and confidence, but also prepare our armed forces to confront security challenges that can only be solved by many nations working in concert. One example is the counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, where India is working alongside the multinational naval task force. We have also made significant strides in developing a stable defence trade, most recently with India's decision to buy American transport aircraft and other military equipment. The US defence industry produces the best products in the world, and using the same platforms also enhances our militaries' ability to interact and communicate more effectively. That said, there are still more opportunities for closer cooperation that will allow us to share technology and increase the flow of information and expertise. In particular, we both have to re-examine policies dealing with exchanging technology. Moving forward together on certain regulatory measures in this area - especially those dictated by United States law - will enable greater levels of cooperation and provide tangible benefits for both governments and economies. .... Two months ago, Singh arrived in Washington for the first official state visit of the new US administration. In his welcoming remarks, Obama referred to the relationship between our countries as a defining partnership of the 21st century - a union between two of the world's great democracies. During my meetings with India's leaders this week, i look forward to solidifying these pillars - and strengthening a relationship indispensable to both of our nations' future peace and prosperity. The writer is US secretary of defence. =========================== Stop NATO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stopnato Blog site: http://rickrozoff.wordpress.com/ To subscribe, send an e-mail to: rwroz...@yahoo.com or stopnato-subscr...@yahoogroups.com Daily digest option available. ==============================
