Kochi: The relationship between United States and India has been getting stronger over the years and we would continue in this effort, Captain Thomas S Kennedy, commanding officer of the US Naval ship, USS Chancellorsville, said on September 27.

The vessel is anchored off Kochi for the "Malabar series" bilateral exercises, scheduled to begin from September 29.

Addressing a press meet, Kennedy along with Captain John C Nygaard, commanding officer of "USS Paul F Foster", second naval ship participating in the exercise, said the exercise was chalked out after long planning and it would serve as a platform for professional interaction between the US and Indian Navy. This would help foster closer relations and enhance mutual understanding.

"This exercise is a good reflection of the co-operation that the nations have. This is a good opportunity for us to work together with Indian Navy," he said.

On the reported violation of Indian airspace by a US helicopter during an exercise off Chennai coast sometime back, he said, "I am not aware of it. We would be very careful not to violate Indian air space."

However, Helen LaFave, acting consul for public affairs, who was also present, intervened and said, "that was a rumour and it was not true. There was no violation of Indian air space. This was in Chennai last February and it did not happen".

On the effectiveness of an Indo-US joint naval operation to curb terrorism, she said working together would help foster closer relations and would be effective against the common enemy.

PTI