PANAJI: US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter has said India and America will have to work hard to match their military technologies, which they have developed separately.
"The reason we have to work on India-US relationship is simply historical. You remember India was born seven decades ago and its policy was not one to associate with the US," he said addressing the crew on board USS Blue Ridge which is anchored at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
"That means our militaries developed separately, our technology systems cropped up separately and now when we have to work with them together, we have to try to get gears to match up. We have to work hard on that. That is why I am here, that is why you are here," he said.
Carter and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar paid a visit to the ship yesterday which arrived here from Mumbai.
Talking about India and the ways the US can be compatible with this country, Carter said, "Here's a country, a billion people democracy that is a melting pot in which every piece (thing) is respected.
"There is a civil society where people openly discuss and debate. Here in India rule of law is important and whose approach is conditioned by its own history and uniqueness," he said.
Referring to the crew on board USS Blue Ridge, Carter said, "You represent our style of strategic interaction. You are working with others to make a better world for everyone. That is the American approach today. It is not to exclude people. American style is always to include people in protecting the soil. That is why people like to work with us."
Carter said, "You are in a region right now which will be of great consequence to America's future because half of world's population lives (here) and half of world's economic activity is (here)."
He said that also it is a place where strategic approach of the US is to play pivotal role in peace and security in Asia Pacific region.
"What has happened in seven decades with the sole exception of North Korea is that country after country has risen and prospered. Go back 60-70 years and see Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, South East Asia, India and China. These countries are prospering.
"But that does not come for free, there has to be peace and stability to that to happen. We have been the part of the system to create that peace and stability," he added.
Carter, during his two-day stay in the coastal state, paid a visit to Mangueshi temple and Old Goa churches. He also went to Sea Bird naval base at Karwar in Karnataka.