Covington to Co-Host India-U.S. Defense and Security Forum in New Delhi

Covington to Co-Host India-U.S. Defense and Security Forum in New Delhi

May 5, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC, May 5, 2015 — Covington and Tatva Legal are hosting the Third Annual India-U.S. Defense and Security Forum on Wednesday, May 6 at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi.

Coming on the heels of President Obama and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to deepen their countries’ bi-lateral defense relationship, this landmark forum will focus on the importance of a strong defense relationship between India and the United States and the impact of recent and upcoming policy changes on that relationship.

“There are increased opportunities stemming from President Obama and Prime Minister Modi’s agreement,” said Ralph Voltmer, chair of Covington’s India practice. “Defense trade between India and the U.S. creates a win-win opportunity for India and U.S. companies, and our Forum will help corporate leaders learn more about the opportunities in technology and trade that will come over the next decade.”

Richard R. Verma, the U.S. Ambassador to India, will deliver the keynote address. Other notable speakers will include:

• Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Member of Parliament of India (Lok Sabha)
• Baijayant “Jay” Panda, Member of Parliament of India (Lok Sabha)
• Keith Webster, Director, International Cooperation for the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics
• Rajiv Mehrishi, Secretary of Finance, Ministry of Finance

Covington’s speakers will include: Howard L. Berman, senior advisor and former Congressman and Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee; Ralph C. Voltmer Jr., partner and head of Covington’s India practice; and Roger Zakheim, of counsel and former General Counsel of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.