Why in the News?
Recently, India and the US have signed a 10-year framework pact for defense partnership.
More on the News
- This agreement is a follow-up to similar 10-year Framework Agreements signed in 2005 and 2015.
- The US has also approved, recently, the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems, Excalibur guided artillery munitions and related equipment to India.
India-US Defense Ties
- India-US defence cooperation began during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, when the US supplied India with transport aircraft, weapons, and training.
- Dialogue Mechanism
- Apex Dialogue: 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue co-chaired by the Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Defense and the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.
- Others: Defense Policy Group (DPG), Military Cooperation Group (MCG), Defense Joint Working Group (DJWG) etc.
- Foundational agreements
- General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) (signed in 2002): Allows the sharing of classified information by the U.S. government and firms with the Indian government and state-owned enterprises.
- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) (signed in 2016): It gives the two countries' militaries access to each other's facilities for refueling and replenishing.
- Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) (signed in 2018): It allows the sale and exchange of encrypted communications data and equipment.
- Basic Exchange and Communications Agreement (BECA) (signed in 2020): It enables the two countries to share advanced Geospatial (satellite) data for long range navigation and missile targeting.
- Defense Trade
- Status: In 2016, US designated India as a Major Defense Partner.
- Trade Facilitation: India's Strategic Trade Authorization (STA)-1 status (2018) enables faster, license-free access to a wide range of U.S. military and dual-use technologies.
- Major Defense Acquisitions: India operates US-origin platforms like P-8I, C-17, Apache, MH-60R, M777 howitzers, etc.
- Joint Military Exercises & interoperability
- Bilateral Exercises: E.g., Yudh Abhyas (Army), Vajra Prahar (Special Forces), Cope India (Air Force), Tiger Triumph (Tri-Service) etc.
- Multilateral Exercises: E.g., Malabar (Quad Navies), RIMPAC, Red Flag etc.
Significance of India US Defense Ties
- Strategic balancing in the Indo-Pacific: Cooperation enhances India's ability to balance China's assertiveness through deeper maritime cooperation, information-sharing and combined exercises.
- Example: Malabar Exercise with U.S., Japan and Australia.
- Technology & Industrial Partnership: Gives India access to advanced military technology and strengthens its defense industrial base through co-production and tech transfer (e.g., P-8I Aircraft; GE F-414 Aircraft engine manufacturing).
- Support for Make-in-India & Export Ambitions: The U.S. has emerged among India's top three defense-export customers (along with France and Armenia).
- Logistics & Global Reach: LEMOA agreements expand India's operational footprint by ensuring mutual access to facilities and support networks.
- Economic & Capability Gains: Defense trade exceeding $20 billion boosts jobs, supply chains, and technology ecosystems in both nations.
- Diversification beyond Russia: U.S. defense ties help India reduce historical over-dependence on Russian platforms and broaden technological options.
Key irritants in India-US Defense ties
- Strategic Autonomy Challenges: India works with both the US and Russia. US pressure to restrict Russian oil and arms purchase creates friction.
- Example: CAATSA concerns during S400 deal with Russia.
- Limited Technology Access: The US export control rules block many advanced technologies even after STA-1 status.
- Example: Sensitive jet-engine components remain subject to U.S. licensing and regulatory clearances.
- Different Regional Priorities: The US continues security engagement with Pakistan, which creates discomfort for India.
- Example: High-level US-Pakistan military meetings in 2025 after Operation Sindoor.
- Russian Legacy Systems: India's large Russian inventory makes interoperability with U.S. platforms difficult.
- Example: S-400 and Su-30MKI alongside US platforms like Apache.
- Unpredictable U.S. Politics: US domestic politics and Congress can delay or block key defense deals.
- Example: MQ-9B drone deal stalled earlier due to congressional holds.
- Shifting Great-Power Equations: Any US–Russia thaw or stronger Russia–China partnership can affect India's defense choices.
- Example: Russia exploring new defense links with Pakistan.
Conclusion
The renewed 10-year defense framework provides an opportunity to shift India-US ties from a buyer-seller dynamic to a genuine strategic and industrial partnership. By deepening co-development, easing technology transfer barriers, and aligning cooperation with India's strategic autonomy, the relationship can contribute to a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific while strengthening India's long-term defense self-reliance and global security role.
