Press Releases 2009

USTDA grant promotes development of India's helicopter sector

August 28, 2009

NEW DELHI - The U.S. Ambassador to India, Timothy J. Roemer, today awarded a grant of Rupees 24 million  (US$501,849) to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India.  This technical assistance grant is designed to help update India's standards and regulations governing helicopter operations and facilitate the expansion of safe and reliable helicopter services throughout India.

This grant highlights the expanding partnership between the Indian and U.S. aviation sectors that will lead to new exchanges of technology and best practices in the development and implementation of aviation safety standards.  Today's grant is the fifth bilateral partnership under the U.S.-India Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP).

Ambassador Roemer noted after the signing, "Today, the U.S.-India Aviation Cooperation Program expands into a new area.  The signing of the Helicopter Aviation Safety Technical Assistance project, led by Bell Helicopter, will provide expertise to improve India's expanding helicopter sector and will expand opportunities for increased trade between our two countries."

USTDA advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries.  USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development.  In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.