Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:  THEHINDU

Context

The “Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership” was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

India-USA defence relationship

The India-US defense relationship, once minimal during the Cold War due to India's non-alignment, began to transform in the post-Cold War era. 

In 2005 New Framework for the US-India Defense Relationship, laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation. 

In 2016, India's status was elevated to a "Major Defence Partner" by the United States, allowing for defence trade and technology sharing comparable to closest allies, despite India not being a treaty ally.

In 2018 India gained Strategic Trade Authority-1 (STA-1) status, granting license-free access to advanced dual-use technologies.

Foundational Agreements between India-US

• Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) (2016): Permits the militaries of both countries to use each other's bases for logistics support.
• Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) (2018): Enables the transfer of encrypted communications equipment and systems.
• Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) (2020):  Share high-end geospatial intelligence and sensitive satellite data, enhancing accuracy in missile targeting and navigation.

The recent 10-year 'Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership' outlines a roadmap for deeper military collaboration, joint initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region, and enhanced coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation.  

Pillars of Modern Defence Cooperation: Beyond Buyer-Seller

The India-US defence partnership grew from $1 billion in 2008 to over $20 billion by 2023, driven by shared geopolitical interests.

Defence Trade and Technology Collaboration

• India acquired advanced US platforms, including P-8I, C-17, Apache, Chinook, M777, and an agreement for MQ-9B drones (2024).
• The GE F-414 jet engine deal (2023) includes up to 80% technology transfer for India's LCA Tejas Mk-II and AMCA, with finalization expected by March 2026.
• A bilateral Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) (2024) prioritizes critical defence resources for both nations during emergencies.
• The India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) (2023) facilitates collaboration on defence technology.
• Joint Military Exercises and Interoperability
• Exercise Yudh Abhyas
• Exercise Vajra Prahar
• Exercise Tiger Triumph
• Malabar Exercise: Quadrilateral naval exercise involving India, US, Japan, and Australia.

Strategic Dialogue and Coordination:

• The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is the primary platform for political, military, and strategic discussions.
• An August 2024 Memorandum of Agreement enhances interactions regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers.

Drivers of Deepening Partnership

• Counterbalancing China:
• Shared concerns about China's military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific drive defence cooperation to ensure regional stability.
• The US focuses on the Western Pacific, while India's interests are in the Indian Ocean Region and land borders.
• Indo-Pacific Security:
• Both nations are committed to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• Cooperation, including the Quad, maintains regional stability, protects freedom of navigation, and promotes democratic values.
• India's Strategic Autonomy and Modernization:
• India seeks to modernize its armed forces and achieve self-reliance ("Make in India").
• The partnership offers access to advanced technologies and diversified sourcing for strategic autonomy.

Navigating Challenges and Future Prospects

• The Russia Factor:
  • India's ties with Russia (e.g., S-400 systems) pose complexities and potential CAATSA implications.
  • India's stance on Ukraine and continued Russian oil purchases present points of divergence, though defence ties reportedly remain strong as of August 2025.
• Technology Transfer Hurdles:
  • Despite US willingness (e.g., GE F-414 deal), historical regulatory hurdles and export controls limit high-end technology sharing.
  • Concerns about India's intellectual property ecosystem can impact the pace of technology transfer.
• Trade Frictions:
  • Occasional trade imbalances and tariff disputes (e.g., US tariffs in 2025) require ongoing dialogue.
• Managing Expectations:
  • The US views India as a "prized partner" rather than a formal ally, while India prioritizes strategic autonomy.
• Future Prospects:
  • Continued growth is expected, focusing on emerging technologies like AI, space, and cybersecurity (iCET, INDUS-X).
  • Greater private sector involvement, joint R&D, and streamlined regulations are critical.

Conclusion

The India-US defense partnership is a robust and evolving engagement, characterized by converging strategic interests, growing trade, joint exercises, and dialogues, aiming to ensure stability and a rules-based Indo-Pacific despite historical challenges and technology transfer barriers.

Source: THEHINDU