US Ambassador Richard Verma has said there are bright prospects for joint research and coproduction of defence equipment with India, including aircraft carrier. Addressing press in Chennai after witnessing the ongoing Exercise Malabar between the three Navies of India, the US and Japan off Chennai coast, he said the tri-naval cooperation and interoperability from basic to complex environments is highly robust. This would help free navigation and maritime security, he said. Mr Verma added that both the Defence Forces coming together will enhance peace and prosperity in the region. The 19th edition of the 6-day Exercise Malabar that began last Wednesday off Chennai coast draws to a close on Monday.