WASHINGTON: Pentagon has informed that India is offering US the aviationmantainance facility, however further details have not been given. Thespeculation is rife that would it result into a US mini base in India.

India is a key player in President Donald Trump’s South Asia Strategy, thePentagon has said, adding that New Delhi has offered the United States withaviation maintenance and developmental aid.

“Our relationship with India is multifaceted. India is helping with respectto the South Asian Strategy.

They’ve provided a tremendous amount of developmental aid.

They’ve also offered to help with aviation maintenance,” Pentagon’s ChiefSpokesperson, Dana White, told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

She was responding to questions on India’s role in fight against terrorism.

“There’s an opportunity. India’s a perfect example of where the (defence)secretary wants to find and build relationships with partners, and sothat’s what we are doing.

And with respect to the South Asia Strategy, they are a key player inensuring its success,” White said.