US committed to India's military modernisation efforts: envoy

US envoy Richard Verma says that Indian industry will partner with the US defence subsidiary of BAE Systems to locally assemble the howitzers

The US on Thursday said it is committed to enhancing India's military modernisation efforts and building a security partnership based on trust, transparency, and shared interests.

Welcoming the "landmark deal" for 145 M777 howitzer artillery guns, US envoy Richard Verma said here that Indian industry will partner with the US defence subsidiary of BAE Systems to locally assemble, integrate, and test the howitzers, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make-in-India' campaign.

"This deal marks a major step forward in the US-India defence relationship and supports jobs in both our countries," he said.

As 'Major Defence Partners', the United States and India remain committed to enhancing military modernization efforts and building a security partnership based on trust, transparency, and shared interests, he said.
 
The M777 is a state-of-the-art, lightweight howitzer that will provide the Indian Army with advanced capabilities, Verma said in a statement.

Breaking the Bofors jinx, India and the US had on Thursday inked a nearly Rs 5,000-crore deal for 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers, which will be mostly deployed near the borders with China.