US: ‘Important dimension in the relations between the two countries…’, Vivek Lal, who brokered billions of deals on India-US relations, said
General Atomics Global Corporation Chief Executive Dr. Vivek Lal said that one of the most important strategic partnerships of the 21st century is between India and America.
The relationship between India and America is getting deeper day by day. Amid the ongoing presidential transfer of power in Washington, a top Indian-American defense leader said that bipartisan support and cooperation on security and defense is the most important aspect of the India-US partnership.
General Atomics Global Corporation Chief Executive Dr. Vivek Lal said that one of the most important strategic partnerships of the 21st century is between India and America. The most important dimension of this alliance is bipartisan support and cooperation in security and defense.
Share many goals
The world’s largest unmanned deal was advocated by then President Donald Trump in June 2016 and was brought to fruition by his successor Joe Biden this year. He said that this is a reflection of the bipartisan support of the defense and security aspects of this relationship. Responding to a question, he said, “As the capitals of large, vibrant democracies, Washington and New Delhi are natural partners. Also share many common goals for peace, stability and security around the world.” In October, Lal was appointed Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution in recognition of his important role in enhancing India-US defense relations, including a major drone deal worth more than three billion dollars.
India is getting ‘Kaal’ of China and Pakistan The way has been cleared for India to get MQ9B i.e. Predator drones from America. The governments of both the countries have signed a deal worth Rs 34,500 crore. These drones have been made by the American company General Atomics. Lal said, ‘Both the countries are already helping each other in many ways and the scope of this work will increase when we take forward the recently announced contract between the US and India for General Atomics’ MQ-9B Skyguardian and Sea Guardian and this strategic capability will significantly enhance India’s security.’
Dr. Vivek Lal, a major player in India-US defense trade
Lal has emerged as a major player in India-US defense trade over the last decade. General Atomics CEO Vivek Lal has had a deep association with India. He is of Indian origin who was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. His strong connection has proved to be very helpful for India. Lal has also worked in important positions with big defense companies like Boeing, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. He has also been the head of Boeing’s India unit. He has also worked with Reliance Industries. But his becoming the CEO of General Atomics in June 2020 was a big opportunity for India to acquire important technology.
Important role in defense deal
Vivek Lal has played an important role in many defense deals between India and America. These defense deals include the deal of transport aircraft C-17 Globemaster, P-81 anti-marine warfare aircraft and Harpoon missile deal. General Atomics is already working with both the governments to provide technology support to India in the defense sector. It has also partnered with some domestic companies to increase India’s defense capabilities and meet defense needs. During Modi’s last visit to America, Lal had a one-to-one meeting with him in which the way for Predator drones to India was cleared.
Dr. Vivek Lal had achieved the top position in Boeing in the year 2007. It was because of him that the defense deal between India and America was done. During his entire career in Boeing, he executed many great military deals. This includes defense deals with India ranging from P8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft to C17 military transport aircraft, anti-ship Harpoon missiles, Apache and Chinook helicopters and others.
After this, he was the Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Later, the US government appointed him as an important advisor in the Federal Advisory Committee. After this, he remained in the Transportation Department of Washington DC for two years and thus he got a chance to influence aviation policy at the US as well as global level. The result of his efforts was that the Indian Navy got anti-submarine helicopters. US President Joe Biden honored Lal with the Lifetime Achievement Award in October last year.
