The United states and India's defense relationship has matured and strengthened significantly over the past 15 years. <br/><br/>US Defence department in its joint report to congress said, both the countries maintain a broad-based strategic partnership, underpinned by shared democratic values and interests and strong people-to-people ties. <br/><br/>It said, the momentum behind the relationship and converging security interests will result in a more secure Indo-Asia-Pacific region and beyond. <br/><br/>The report, defense cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the U.S- India partnership.<br/><br/>The United States and India are natural partners on a range of political, economic, and security issues. With a mutual desire for global stability, the United States and India have an increasing convergence of interests, including on maritime domain awareness, counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and coordinated response to natural disasters and transnational threats. <br/><br/>The partnership has strengthened significantly during the past two decades, and it enjoys broad political support in both countries.