The New America Foundation’s National Security Studies Program hosted an on-the-record, invite-only discussion on August 24th with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Robert Scher. The event focused on how the U.S. Department of Defense is building day-to-day relationships that will shape our defense partnership with India in the future, Mr Scher’s remarks focused on people-to-people ties, military exercises and defense sales. The event was moderated by Steve Coll, President of New America Foundation.

Mr. Scher began his remarks by defining the current state of relations between the U.S. and India, making it clear that current efforts are focusing on building and strengthening a long term partnership built on shared interests and mutual respect. The U.S. views India not as an ally or junior partner but an equal. He then spoke on the importance of the day-to-day successes designed to foster trust and understanding between the two countries.