Defence ties talks in Modi – Trump meeting

The gathering of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the White House resulted in India and the US solidifying significant agreements, such as the purchase of F-35 fighter jets by India and a strengthened pledge to enhance defense collaboration.

“America plays an important role in India’s defence preparedness as strategic and trusted partners, we are moving forward actively towards joint development, joint production and transfer of technology in the times to come… new technologies and equipment will enhance our capacities,” PM Modi said at a joint press briefing.

A significant point in the joint statement was the intention to establish a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This accord seeks to bolster bilateral defense relations in light of changing security threats, enhancing both countries’ dedication to deeper collaboration.

To enhance India’s defensive strength and monitoring abilities, the US will increase the sale of Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones. Additionally, both parties revealed new acquisition and co-production arrangements. India is poised to obtain Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to improve surveillance in the Indian Ocean. “Beginning this year, we will boost military sales to India by several billion dollars,” Trump stated.

Acknowledging India’s position as a Major Defence Partner and a Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) holder, the US and India concurred to reassess arms transfer rules, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The initiative seeks to streamline defense trade, technology exchanges, and the upkeep of US-supplied military assets in India.

It is anticipated to hasten the transfer of technology for the GE-F414 jet engine, which will be jointly produced by General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a significant agreement revealed last year. India has encountered setbacks in procuring jet engines for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A and Mark 2, partly as a result of worldwide supply chain disruptions. Concluding the agreement will accelerate the LCA Mark 2 initiative, designed to substitute India’s outdated Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The two countries will initiate discussions for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement, synchronizing procurement frameworks and easing the exchange of defense products and services.