New Delhi [India]: India and the United States are set to finalize a new 10-year defence framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership, spanning from 2025 to 2035, further strengthening their military cooperation and defence trade.
The announcement was made following a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC.
Key Highlights of the Defence Agreement
✅ Defence Procurement & Co-Production: The agreement will allow both nations to purchase defence goods and services more efficiently.
✅ Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1): India’s status will further streamline defence trade, technology transfer, and in-country repair & maintenance of US-provided defence systems.
✅ Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement: Aimed at aligning procurement systems for mutual supply of military equipment.
✅ Policy Review for Advanced Defence Technology: The US plans to review its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea systems to India.
✅ Expanded Defence Sales & Co-Production:
- Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles to be co-produced in India.
- Procurement of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to enhance surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security & Quad Partnership
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. With India’s Quad partnership alongside the US, Japan, and Australia, the framework will boost maritime security, air defence, missile technology, and undersea capabilities.
Defence Equipment Already Integrated into India’s Inventory
India has already acquired key US-origin defence systems, including:
✈️ C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon
🚁 CH-47F Chinook, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apache
🛡️ Harpoon Missiles, M777 Howitzers, MQ-9B Drones
The US-India COMPACT for the 21st Century initiative launched by PM Modi and President Trump is set to drive major advancements in military partnership, technology exchange, and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
This defence framework is expected to be finalized later this year and will play a pivotal role in shaping India-US military relations for the next decade.