India wants to use state-of-the-art U.S. technology to boost the range and potency of a planned aircraft carrier, defense sources said, a move that would tie their arms programs closer together and counter China's military influence in the region.
The proposal, referred to only obliquely in a joint statement at the end of President Barack Obama's recent visit to New Delhi, is the clearest signal yet that Washington is ready to help India strengthen its navy.
Ashton Carter, Obama's nominee for defense secretary, said he would take a strong interest in strengthening U.S.-India ties if confirmed, and a "great deal" could be done to expand military and defense technology cooperation.