The US aviation companies have been urged by India to think of setting up manufacturing bases and pumping money in aviation infrastructure such as airports in India for as long term commitment.

Thursday, senior US officials like Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood were told by visiting Indian Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel that Washington also needs to look into the possibility of liberalizing the export control regime.

An Indian embassy press release specifies that Patel was informed by Locke and LaHood that growth shown by India's aviation sector had impressed the US companies, which are now eager to contribute to the growth. Mr. Patel, in response specified that these companies require showing a long-term commitment beyond simply exporting India. He said that they should also explore the possibility of creating manufacturing bases and investing in aviation infrastructure like airports.

The healthy role of aviation in improving connectivity between the two countries, since the signing of the Open Skies Agreement in 2005, was acknowledged by both sides at meetings with Locke, LaHood and Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt.

Accounting for nearly 15 percent of US exports to India, the civil aviation sector has arisen as the fastest growing component of bilateral trade. Both the secretaries were invited by Patel to India to view the number of opportunities that India offered for mutually beneficial partnerships in general and in aviation, in particular.

A luncheon was specially organized for the guests at the US Chamber of Commerce where a large number of the major US companies engaged in aviation-related activities were present. The guests were provided with the update on recent developments by Patel, who also encouraged them to bolster their technological collaboration with India.

Later a 200-strong gathering of US government officials, US business representatives, NRIs, and Indian-Americans was also addressed by Patel at the celebration "Air India's Capital to Capital Connectivity: Bringing Washington and Delhi Closer".

The US India Business Council organized th cultural reception with a few partners to publicize the new Air India link between Washington DC and New Delhi that commenced December 1. It provides the only single-plane link between the two capitals.