US Army Attache: Historic challenges need cooperation for a free Indo-Pacific

Kolkata: US Army Attache in India Colonel Douglas Hess underlined on Friday that historic challenges need unprecedented cooperation with common allies for a "free and open Indo-Pacific." He also called for partnerships among countries before a crisis hits them.

Col Hess was speaking virtually at “Defense News Conclave - Stories on U.S.-India Defense and Security Partnership” organized by the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata and CUTS International.

He said, "Historic challenges require unprecedented cooperation with like-minded allies and partners who share in the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.  In this endeavor, the United States is proud to work alongside India’s leadership in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, as a driving force of the Quad and other multinational fora, and as an engine for regional growth and development.

He however added, "As we have seen throughout the 21st century, we rarely know in advance when we are going to face a crisis, whether that is a health crisis, an environmental crisis, or a physical attack from a conventional or unconventional enemy."

Col Hess, who is a Foreign Area Officer in the US Army, observed, "Nations cannot wait until a crisis arrives to build partnerships. One cannot surge trust, one has to build it early and deepen it every day. These military cooperation efforts, combined with bilateral and multi-lateral economic, health, and climate initiatives prepare us to be ready to work together when a crisis hits."

Acting US Consul General in Kolkata, Adrian Pratt, who also attended the workshop, said, "Cooperation with India strengthens our security, bolsters our prosperity, and enriches our society. An enormous range of Americans have a stake in the U.S.-India relationship and expect further progress in achieving the full potential of U.S.-India defense ties as it spans the scope of human endeavour, from sea to space, from security to health, and from energy to education."

Mr Pratt, who is also the Public Affairs Officer and Director of the American Center in Kolkata, added, "We want to tell you that managing our defense and law enforcement activities keeps all our citizens—young and old—female, male, and non-binary—regardless of religion or political party—safe from crime, reduces the risks from terrorism, and protects us from the threat of war."