Day after India turns down US aircraft bids, envoy Roemer quits

After having marked many highs in India-US ties during his two-year tenure, US ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer, will be demitting office on a low note — his announcement comes a day after Delhi rejected two American bids for its $10-billion aircraft deal. Jayanth Jacob and Yashwant Raj report.

Timothy J Roemer, US ambassador to India, has decided to call it a day, citing personal, professional and family considerations.

And after having marked many highs in India-US ties during his two-year tenure, Roemer will be demitting office on a low note — his announcement comes a day after Delhi rejected two American bids for its $10-billion aircraft deal.

"We are reviewing the documents received from the government of India and are respectful of the procurement process. We are, however, deeply disappointed by this news,” Roemer said on Thursday.

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On leaving India, some time in June, he said: “When I accepted this job two years ago, I told President (Barack) Obama I would serve for two years but that family considerations would be front and centre after that.”

The Obama administration had pitched the multi-role combat aircraft deal as one that would generate thousands of jobs in the US. In Washington, while officials said Delhi’s rejection would not cause long-term damage to ties, there were some who disagreed. “The feeling is that India may have settled for a plane, but could be foregoing a relationship,” said former White House official Ashley Tellis.

Roemer disagreed: “We look forward to continuing to develop our defence partnership with India and remain convinced that the US offers the world’s most advanced, reliable technology.”