09 February 2005	Wednesday	29 Zilhaj 1425

BANGALORE, Feb 8: India has shown interest in buying fighter jets from the United States amid a 'huge expansion' in military relations between the two nations, US Ambassador David Mulford said on Tuesday.

"We have been contacted and a request for information has been given to us," Mr Mulford told reporters. "We are considering that matter at the moment and no decision has been made."

The Indian government has given the air force approval to buy 126 multi-role aircraft and officials are in talks with the United States, France, Sweden and Russia.

The ambassador said the US would display its maritime surveillance aircraft the P3 Orion, the KC-135 Stratotanker, a refuelling aircraft; two F-15E fighter jets and C-130 Hercules aircraft during the Aero India air show which starts on Wednesday in Bangalore and runs to Feb 13.

"We have decided to show the top-of-line equipment before we are interested in becoming a major player here," he said.

After waiving sanctions related to India's May 1998 nuclear tests, the US is considering selling the Patriot anti-missile system to India.

Victor Renuart, Vice-Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, said India had also shown interest in Hawkeye, the US Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical airborne warning and control system platform.-AFP