The defense relationship between the United States and India is rapidly evolving to meet the changing demands of regional and global security. This partnership encompasses various aspects such as safeguarding supply chains, advancing critical and emerging technologies, and enhancing cooperation in cyber, space, and new dimensions of battlespace dominance. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the US from August 23-26 shed light on these critical areas, aiming to bridge bilateral gaps and strengthen collaboration in key strategic domains. The visit underscored a clear trend towards integrating traditional security ties with emerging strategic elements to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Importance of Defense in India-US Relations
India and the US are increasingly prioritizing joint interests in the Indian Ocean and the security of the broader Indo-Pacific region. India’s growing role in ensuring freedom of navigation, particularly as a member of the Combined Maritime Force (CMF), was recognized during the visit. With India set to lead the Combined Task Force 150 in 2025, New Delhi’s stake in regional security has heightened significantly.
The Indo-Pacific Arena
The Indo-Pacific region remains central to regional and global security, making it crucial for India and the US to enhance their partnership in this strategic area. During the visit, efforts were made to bolster supply chain security and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean. A notable outcome was the agreement to place Indian liaison officers at US commands, aiming to strengthen operational coordination and domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative complements the existing collaboration at the Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR) in India, addressing the challenges of monitoring the vast expanse of the Indo-Pacific effectively.
Furthermore, steps were taken to reinforce the Major Defense Partnership (MDP) and revitalize the Defense Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI). Through the US-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation, both nations agreed to jointly produce jet engines, unmanned platforms, munitions, and ground mobility systems. The upcoming third summit of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) will further expand cooperation in undersea and space-related endeavors, highlighting the commitment to advancing defense capabilities in critical domains.
Significance of SOSA
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), making India the 18th country to enter into this agreement with the US. SOSA reflects a shared vision to integrate defense industrial ecosystems while safeguarding supply chains from potential disruptions. This arrangement complements the MDP and DTTI, providing a framework for enhancing defense supplies between the two countries. By aligning with the US Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), SOSA establishes mechanisms for ensuring supply chain stability during both peacetime and crisis situations.
Moreover, the visit aimed to reinvigorate the DTTI, focusing on promoting bilateral co-development, co-production, and co-sustainment efforts in defense technology. The upcoming DTTI meeting, led by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, will bring together government and private stakeholders from both countries to drive collaborative initiatives in the defense industry.
Harnessing the Indian Diaspora
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the role of the Indian diaspora in the US as a ‘living bridge’ connecting the two nations in the context of the expanding defense relationship. The US-India INDUS-X Initiative, launched to foster a defense innovation bridge under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), celebrates its first anniversary this year. By facilitating collaboration among researchers, investors, and defense tech companies, INDUS-X aims to leverage private capital for defense innovation, driving technological advancements in defense capabilities.
Both India and the US are adapting swiftly to the evolving global security landscape, demonstrating increased innovation and cooperation in advanced domains. The recent US-India Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue (AD3) underscored the importance of coordination in emerging defense areas such as space, cyber, and artificial intelligence, highlighting potential avenues for industrial collaboration.
Future Collaborative Goals
During the visit, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s delegation from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) visited the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Memphis, signaling a pathway for mutual learning and development. India’s procurement of sonobuoys from the US and the upcoming acquisition and co-production of General Atomics’ MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft systems and GE F414 jet engines exemplify the next steps in enhancing defense capabilities through joint efforts between the two nations.
The visit reaffirmed the pivotal role of defense in shaping the trajectory of US-India bilateral engagement, underlining the shared commitment to advancing security cooperation and innovation in critical defense domains. As both countries navigate the complexities of the evolving security landscape, their collaboration in defense technology and strategic initiatives continues to strengthen, paving the way for a more secure and resilient partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.