Indo-US Defense Defense: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump at Washington DC on 13 February. This important meeting will discuss further strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries. In recent times, trade and military partnership between India and the US has increased rapidly. It is likely to get more strength from this journey.
India and America, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, share a similar strategic approach to ensure freedom and security. In 2016, the US gave India the status of major defense partner, which accelerated the transfer of defense equipment and technology between the two countries. In addition, in 2018, India got the status of Strategic Trade Authority Tier-1 (STA-1), giving India a more favorable access to military and double-use technology.
India can get modern weapons
India is proposing to buy advanced fighter aircraft like F-21, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15 EX Eagle. This aircraft will increase the strength of the Indian Air Force and strengthen military coordination with the US.
Advanced helicopters and drones for Navy
The US is likely to supply MH-60R sehocke helicopter ($ 2.8 billion contract) and C Guardian unmanned air system (UAS), leading to an increase in the reconnaissance and strategic capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Modern security systems and weapons
India has already purchased an Apache attack helicopter ($ 796 million) and large aircraft infrared counterents ($ 189 million). Further expansion of the defense agreement may be discussed in this meeting.
Joint military exercises and training
The US and India are strengthening their strategic partnership through tri-service exercises and naval exercises such as Malabar. It may be agreed to expand these military exercises in this meeting.
How will Indo-US defense cooperation increase?
The purchase of weapons and defense technology will be smooth under FMS (foreign military sales) and DCS (direct commercial sales). Under the IMET (International Military Education and Training) Program, more American military training and technical knowledge can be provided to India.
The two countries can discuss more effective agreements like LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), Comcasa (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and ISA (Industrial Security Agreement).
Hind-Pacific Strategy and Global Power Balance
The US and India can further strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to balance China’s growing influence under a shared goal.
The security strategy with quad countries, USA, India, Japan and Australia can be planned to further.
Additional military assistance can be provided to strengthen marine security of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives as part of the Bay of Bengal.
Benefits of Indo-US defense relations
- The capacity of the Indian Army will increase.
- Modern defense technology will be easily available.
- Military training and intercourse will improve.
- Strategy against enemies like China and Pakistan will increase.
For India, this opportunity is like dissolving fragrance in gold, that is, India will get an opportunity to strengthen its defense needs. However, the strategy to surround China under Quad will bring India into an open alliance with the US.
