Cooperation With Allies Needed In Indo-Pacific: US Army Attache In India
KOLKATA (ANI) – Colonel Douglas Hess, the US Army Attache in India, addressed the US-India Defense Conclave on July 4, stressing the need for historic challenges to be met with unprecedented cooperation among common allies. The aspiration of a free and open Indo-Pacific was at the heart of the discussion.
Organized by the US Consulate General Kolkata and CUTS International, the half-day workshop titled “Defense News Conclave: Stories of US-India Defense and Security Partnership” aimed to raise awareness about the strong and evolving bilateral defense relationship between the United States and India.
Colonel Hess highlighted the importance of working alongside India’s leadership in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, particularly as a driving force of the Quad and other multinational fora. He acknowledged India’s role as an engine for regional growth and development and emphasized the significance of like-minded allies and partners coming together in the Indo-Pacific region.
Reflecting on the past year, Colonel Hess noted the milestone achieved in the US-India relationship, with both nations taking important steps to further their strategic goals. He emphasized the increasing interconnectivity between the two countries through information connections like the Internet and global supply chains.
The conclave saw participation from over 100 representatives, including media, think tanks, defense experts, defense industry leaders, and civil society. The focus was on the positive messages conveyed by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their recent joint statement, underlining the evolution of the US-India partnership into a comprehensive global strategic relationship.
Colonel Hess underscored the importance of building partnerships before crises arise, as events in the 21st century have shown the unpredictability of challenges faced by nations. He stressed the significance of military cooperation efforts along with bilateral and multi-lateral initiatives in various sectors, such as health, economics, and climate, to be prepared to work together effectively during crises.
Acting US Consul General in Kolkata, Adrian Pratt, highlighted the significance of India’s cooperation with the US in enhancing security, prosperity, and societal enrichment. He emphasized the vast potential of US-India defense ties, which span various aspects of human endeavors from sea to space, security to health, and energy to education.
Pratt also acknowledged the role of managing defense and law enforcement activities in ensuring the safety and protection of all citizens, irrespective of demographics, religion, or political affiliations. He emphasized how such measures reduce the risks of terrorism and protect against the threat of war.
