Pitching for a robust Indo-US military ties,US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer on Monday said that America is ready to support India's drive to modernise its armed forces. "The United States is ready to support India in its drive to modernise its armed forces," Roemer said,inaugurating the five-day Cope India 2009 joint air exercises here. The Ambassador also allayed fears over reliability of America as a supplier of defence equipment to India. "I know that some are apprehensive about reliability of the United States as a supplier of military equipment to India. I can tell you that our relationship is far different than it was even a few years back," he said. Stating that the Indo-US relationship had come a long way since those apprehensions were formed,he said "this is a different world today. Our cooperation in the spheres of energy,science and technology,agriculture,education and development and trade - all point to an even stronger relationship. The defence realm will be no different." Referring to the C-130 Super Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft,the US ambassador said both these aircraft were US airforce's work horses. "I can assure you that IAF will be very pleased with the decision to purchase the C-130 J. Your first aircraft will arrive in early 2011,a little over a year from now,and it will be everything you hope it to be. We are proud to partner with you on this important programme," he said. India has ordered for six C-130 J aircraft for its special forces operations and these aircraft will be based at the Hindan air base in Ghaziabad near the national capital. With regard to C-17,Roemer said a proposal to purchase this aircraft were at present under the Indian Defence Ministry's consideration. "Should you decide to acquire these aircraft - and I hope you will - we will do everything we can to assist you in expanding your strategic lift capability.
