It looks like the US offered India Patriot missiles (probably the PAC-3). While there has been reporting of offers back in 2004, this Times of India story (HT xThreats.com) indicates that the US Defense Department made a presentation in February of this year.
The Russians are pitching their S-300V system, with visits dating back to 2003, along with the Israeli Arrow II (joint developed with the US).
India choosing to acquire the Patriot would give them more flexibility in joining the US National Missile Defense (NMD) program, according to INDOlink:
"The Patriot is an air-defence system which can defeat both attack aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles. Sources said that the sale of the Patriot might be linked to India getting on board the national missile defence (NMD) as it can also be integrated into the broader NMD framework. "
The Chinese are not pleased about the offer and have publically said so, according to the Economic Times (India):
"In an indirect reference to the possible sale of Patriot Missile defence systems to India by the US, China today hoped that the activities of “relevant countries” will be conducive for the maintenance of peace and stability in South Asia.
“We have taken note of reports that a certain country plans to sell anti-missile weapon systems to India,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan said, without naming the United States.
“We hope that the activities of relevant countries will be conducive for the maintenance of peace and stability in south Asia,” he told reporters."
China's reaction is understandable, given DEL's assertion that the US is hoping to draw India into a strategic alliance to counterbalance against China [See DEL here, here and here].
However, one tidbit of very interesting information also found in the above Times of India article is about US naval cooperation with India:
"On Navy-to-Navy cooperation between India and US, [Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee] said no specific offer for close ties between the two navies but they have been deepening their professional interaction through joint exercises, high level visits and possible procurement options."
The amount and diversity of US offers to India is unrivaled by the French, Russians or Chinese on a multitude of fronts. If the Indians believe America is serious about promoting their security and economic interests, India has a great opportunity in partnering with the US.
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