 "Modi-Trump meet: From Tejas engine to Malabar exercise, how India and US deepened defence ties")
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to hold talks with US President Donald Trump, a first since the latter’s inauguration for the second term in January, anticipation is growing that major defence agreements between India and US could be finalised during his visit. Modi, who will land in the US late Wednesday, is scheduled to hold several meetings including India-US bilateral talks in Washington DC.
According to The Economic Times, discussions are underway to conclude contract negotiations on the co-production of fighter jet engines in India for the Indian Air Force, a deal originally agreed upon in 2023. However, delays in the execution of this agreement and General Electric’s failure to supply engines have significantly affected India’s Tejas programme.
India is also in discussions with the US for the purchase and co-production of Stryker combat vehicles, manufactured by General Dynamics and widely used by the US Army.
A Times of India report suggests that the Indian Navy is likely to acquire six additional P-8I surveillance aircraft if a mutually agreeable price is reached. Additionally, under the $3.4 billion deal signed last October, the navy is set to receive 15 of the 31 weaponised MQ-9B ‘Predator’ drones designed for long-range “hunt and kill” missions, while the Indian Army and Air Force will each receive eight drones.
During a phone call with Prime Minister Modi on 27 January, President Trump reportedly urged India to increase its procurement of US-made weapons.
While delays in supplying engines for the Tejas programme have raised concerns, India-US defence relations have continued to strengthen since the 2000s.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsStrengthening of India-US defence ties post-2000
The period after 2000 saw a major change in India-US defence relations. This shift was driven by shared strategic interests, stronger military cooperation and important agreements. Earlier, during the Cold War, India and the US were distant, but they have now become strong global partners.
During the Cold War, India followed a non-aligned policy but depended on the Soviet Union for defence supplies. In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests, leading to US sanctions. However, relations improved when the US lifted sanctions in 2001.
The 2005 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement further strengthened ties. This agreement marked a turning point as the US recognised India as a responsible nuclear power and an important player in regional stability.
Foundational agreements and strategic frameworks
A series of agreements helped India and the US improve coordination, share technology and provide logistical support to each other’s militaries. The 2005 New Framework for the India-US Defence Relationship set the stage for cooperation in defence trade, technology sharing and military interactions.
In 2012, the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) introduced co-development and co-production of defence technologies moving beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship to a deeper strategic partnership.
The 2016 Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) allowed both countries to use each other’s military bases for refuelling and supplies, improving operational flexibility. The 2018 Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) made secure communication between their forces possible and allowed US systems to integrate with Indian platforms, enhancing joint operations.
In 2020, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) enabled the sharing of geospatial intelligence, improving military targeting and navigation. The 2023 Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) expanded cooperation into artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and semiconductor technology for defence taking the partnership beyond traditional military hardware.
Since 2000, India has become one of the biggest buyers of American defence equipment, gradually shifting away from its earlier reliance on Russia.
Air power and surveillance assets
India purchased 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in 2008 for special operations and disaster relief, 11 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in 2013 for heavy airlifting and 12 P-8I Poseidon aircraft in 2013 for advanced maritime surveillance.
In 2020, India leased MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, greatly improving its monitoring of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The 2023 deal for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones further strengthened India’s unmanned aerial surveillance capabilities.
For combat operations, India acquired 22 AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters in 2019 armed with Hellfire missiles and advanced radar systems for precision strikes. The same year, India added 15 CH-47F Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters to enhance troop and equipment transport in tough terrains like the Himalayas.
On the ground, India procured 145 M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in 2016 for quick deployment along the China border and 72,400 Sig Sauer SIG716 rifles in 2019 to boost infantry firepower.
India ordered 24 MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Role Helicopters in 2020 for anti-submarine warfare improving its ability to track and counter Chinese naval activities. The addition of Harpoon Block II Missiles to its naval fleet further strengthened India’s ability to carry out maritime strikes.
India is also in discussions with the US to buy the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), a high-tech air defence system worth $1 billion. This system is meant to protect the National Capital Region (NCR) from aerial threats.
Strategic collaborations and joint exercises
Beyond direct arms purchases, India and the US collaborate on co-development and technology-sharing projects. In 2023, they signed an agreement to co-produce GE F414 jet engines for the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, significantly boosting India’s ability to manufacture advanced defence equipment.
Joint efforts under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) framework have also strengthened India’s defence technology sector by focusing on advanced radar and communication systems.
India and the US regularly conduct high-level military exercises across land, air and sea to improve coordination and joint operations. Yudh Abhyas, an annual army drill, enhances interoperability and joint tactical training, while Cope India focusses on aerial combat and cooperation between air forces.
The Malabar naval exercise, which also includes Japan and Australia, strengthens Indo-Pacific security through anti-submarine warfare, carrier strike operations and fleet coordination. Additionally, Tiger Triumph, a tri-service exercise, is designed to improve joint operations in disaster relief and humanitarian missions showcasing the expanding scope of India-US military cooperation.
Indo-Pacific strategy and countering China
The US considers India an important partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, which focusses on countering China’s growing influence in the region. Strengthening defence ties and increasing arms sales support India’s Act East Policy and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, helping India reduce its reliance on Russian weapons while improving security in the Indian Ocean.
The Quad group, which includes India, US, Japan and Australia, further strengthens this partnership. Through coordinated naval operations and intelligence sharing, the Quad works to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific reinforcing regional stability and security.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite the strengthening defence ties between India and the US, some challenges remain. India continues to use many Russian-origin aircraft, tanks and submarines making a complete switch to Western defence systems difficult and expensive.
Additionally, US defence companies often restrict technology transfers, which creates hurdles for India’s Make in India initiative aimed at boosting local defence manufacturing. A case in point is the delay in delivery of engines for Tejas jets, where the US firm GE has failed to adhere to the deadline causing anxiety in the Indian Air Force.
Another key challenge is balancing India’s diplomatic ties with Russia and Iran while expanding defence cooperation with the US, especially given India’s long-standing military partnership with Moscow.
Since 2000, India-US defence relations have transformed significantly, shifting from limited engagement to a comprehensive strategic partnership. With over $20 billion in arms deals, deeper technological collaboration and increased military coordination, the relationship continues to grow and removing bottlenecks one at a time.
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