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Trump 2.0 and the Evolving U.S.-India Defence Partnership
Context:
The recent official working visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States (February 13, 2025) has reinforced bilateral defence cooperation. The visit facilitated progress on several defence-related agreements, strengthening India’s defence industrial base and strategic partnership with the U.S.
Major Defence Agreements and Acquisitions
- Defence Co-production and Supply Chain Integration
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- India is likely to proceed with the purchase and co-production of:
- ‘Javelin’ Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)
- ‘Stryker’ Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs)
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- This will enhance domestic manufacturing and integrate India into the global defence supply chain.
- Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
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- India will acquire six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.
- This will improve India’s surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- The New 10-Year Framework for Major Defence Partnership
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- A new framework agreement for defence collaboration will guide cooperation into the next decade.
- It will focus on technology transfers, joint development projects, and increased defence trade.
- Advancements in Unmanned Aerial and Autonomous Systems
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- The Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) has been announced to boost collaboration in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
- Key agreements include:
- Anduril Industries-Mahindra Group partnership.
- L3Harris-Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) joint development of Active Towed Array Systems (ATAS).
- Expansion in Space, Air Defence, and Undersea Warfare Cooperation
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- Review of cooperation in undersea systems, fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and space security.
- Potential acceleration in air defence technologies and anti-tank missile systems.
- Regulatory Reforms and Trade Synergy
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- The U.S. and India will review existing regulatory regimes for arms transfers.
- Initiation of negotiations for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement to streamline acquisition mechanisms and defence trade.
Challenges and Concerns
- Delays in General Electric (GE) Aerospace Engine Supply
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- The joint statement did not mention the urgent delivery of GE Aerospace’s F-404 GE-IN-20 engines for the Tejas Mark 1A.
- Absence of clarity on the 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT) for GE F-414 engines, crucial for the Tejas Mark-II variant.
- Potential Integration of the F-35 Fighter Jet
- Challenges in integrating the F-35 into the Indian Air Force (IAF): Existing capability gaps and logistical constraints.
- Need for continued induction of Tejas Mark 1A and Mark-II jets as replacements for retired MiG-21 squadrons.
- Concerns over infrastructure costs, maintenance requirements, and intrusive U.S. inspection regimes.
- Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Project
- The MMRCA program for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft has remained unresolved since 2000.
- Past selection of Dassault Rafale (2011-12) failed due to disputes over Transfer of Technology (ToT) and cost negotiations.
- Any future deal with the U.S. on F-35s may come without ToT and could impose restrictions on operational use.
Strategic Implications of the Defence Partnership
- Enhancing India’s Indigenous Defence Capabilities: Co-production initiatives will bolster India’s Make in India initiative and self-reliance in defence.
- Geopolitical Significance: Strengthened U.S.-India defence ties counterbalance China’s growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Alignment with Quad and Indo-Pacific Strategy: Greater interoperability in defence platforms supports India’s role in regional security frameworks.
Challenges in India-U.S. Defence Cooperation
- Lack of technology transfer: U.S. hesitancy to share cutting-edge defence technologies.
- Regulatory hurdles: U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrict seamless cooperation.
- High costs of U.S. weapons: Procurement remains expensive compared to indigenous alternatives.
- Limited progress in co-development: Despite agreements, joint ventures remain minimal.
- Differing strategic priorities: The U.S. views India as a counterweight to China, while India seeks strategic autonomy.
Mismatch of Aspirations
- India’s Defence Objectives:
- Modernisation of armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems.
- Co-development and co-production of future military technologies.
- Promotion of Make in India and technological self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta).
- US Approach:
- Transactional and commerce-driven rather than strategic.
- No competitive bidding; offers military equipment through bilateral interactions.
- Focus on military sales rather than technology sharing.
- Reluctance to transfer critical technologies, leading to stagnation in co-development.
