New 10-yr partnership framework to F-35s to Javelin missiles: Major boost to India-US defence ties

Though defence supplies are aimed at boosting bilateral trade figures, the underlying strategic objective has been to counter China’s belligerence in the Indo-Pacific, and in securing India’s land, air and maritime borders.

In his statement after the bilateral meeting, Trump said, “The Prime Minister and I are announcing a framework  strengthen those ties even further, economically and the US-India COMPACT for the 21st Century… It is a historic initiative that will deepen every aspect of our partnership and our friendship.”

“Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” he said.

Responding to questions later on the F-35 fighters, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “There is a process by which platforms are acquired. You are well aware of that process. There is, in most cases, a request for proposals that is floated. There are responses to those, they are evaluated. I don’t think with regard to the acquisition of an advanced aviation platform by India, that process has started yet. So this is currently something that’s at the stage of a proposal, but I don’t think the formal process in this regard has started yet.”

Prime Minister Modi said, “America plays an important role in India’s defence preparedness. As strategic and trusted partners, we are moving forward actively towards joint development, joint production and transfer of technology in the times to come… New technologies and equipment will enhance our capacities.”

“We have decided to launch the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance and a defence cooperation framework for the next decade will be prepared. Defence interoperability, logistics, repair and maintenance will also be its key components,” he said.

The two sides announced plans for the new 10-year defence framework.

“Highlighting the deepening convergence of US-India strategic interests, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a dynamic defence partnership spanning multiple domains. To advance defence ties further, the leaders announced plans to sign this year a new 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century,” the joint statement said.

It said the leaders welcomed the significant integration of US-origin defence items into India’s inventory to date, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft; CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers; and MQ-9Bs.

“The leaders determined that the US would expand defence sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defence industrial cooperation. They announced plans to pursue this year new procurements and co-production arrangements for ‘Javelin’ Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and ‘Stryker’ Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defence requirements. They also expect completion of procurement for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance reach in the Indian Ocean Region following agreement on sale terms,” it said.

Recognising that India is a Major Defence Partner with Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) status and a key Quad partner, the US and India will review their respective arms transfer regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), in order to streamline defence trade, technology exchange and maintenance, spare supplies and in-country repair and overhaul of US-provided defence systems.

The leaders also called for opening negotiations this year for a “Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement” to better align their procurement systems and enable the reciprocal supply of defence goods and services, it said.

The leaders pledged to accelerate defence technology cooperation across space, air defence, missile, maritime and undersea technologies, with the US announcing a “review of its policy on releasing fifth generation fighters and undersea systems to India”, the joint statement said.