New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor on Wednesday in an interview with Span Magazine said that defence and security cooperation represents India and US' most strategically significant area of collaboration.

Gor was asked which areas of US-India cooperation hold the greatest potential to drive innovation, economic growth, and technological progress.

To this, he said, 'Defence and security cooperation represents our most strategically significant area of collaboration. The US-India Major Defense Partnership continues to deepen, with a new 10-year framework and enhanced defense industrial cooperation, science and technology collaboration, and operational coordination.'

Gor also said that economic investment and trade expansion also offer equally transformative potential.

'Economic investment and trade expansion also offer equally transformative potential. President Trump's goal is to facilitate bilateral trade in a way that creates unprecedented opportunities for American businesses and workers. India's growing economy and massive infrastructure needs align perfectly with American expertise in energy, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. These investments benefit both of our nations, while strengthening the economic foundation of our long-term strategic partnership. Simply put, we have a win-win situation in front of us,' he said.

Gor said that India is its major defence partner, and will continue to strengthen its military operability through participation in defence exercises.

'India is a Major Defense Partner, and defense cooperation is one of the brightest spots in our bilateral relationship. We also strengthen U.S.-India military interoperability through participation in military exercises such as Malabar, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India.'

Gor said that India and the US were also a part of Quad, which keeps India and the US' interests secure.

'Both of our nations are also part of the Quad, a strategic partnership that keeps our security interests robust and aligned. These three core aspects--diplomacy, defense exercises, and military sales--ensure strong, continued defense cooperation. If these aspects are maintained, I predict a natural strengthening of our defense ties,' he said.

Meanwhile, both nations continue to maintain their military partnership.

The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026, a premier joint Special Forces engagement between the Indian Army and the United States Army, was held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from February 23 to March 15.

India-US defence cooperation is based on 'New Framework for IndiaUS Defence Cooperation', which was renewed for ten years in 2015. In 2016, the defence relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP). On 30 July 2018, India was moved into the Tier-1 of the US Department of Commerce's Strategic Trade Authorization license exception. (ANI)