Context:
India and the United States signed a landmark 10-year roadmap to deepen strategic collaboration across the defence spectrum. The pact was signed after a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting–Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Key Highlights:
Scope of the 10-Year Roadmap:
• Focus on joint defence production.
• Enhanced intelligence sharing.
• Technology co-development and transfer.
• Improved military interoperability.
Strengthening Military Exercises:
• Commitment to expand multilateral exercises such as:
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Yudh Abhyas (Army exercise)
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Malabar (Naval exercise, Quad participation)
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Tiger Triumph (Tri-service exercise)
• Expanded cooperation in: -
Disaster response (HADR)
-
Counter-terrorism operations
Defence Industrial Cooperation:
• Encourages direct defence sales.
• Joint development of advanced systems such as:
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Munitions
-
Drones/UAVs
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Surveillance aircraft
• Supports India’s indigenous manufacturing push under: -
“Make in India, Make for the World”.
India–US Defence Cooperation: Background
Major Defence Partner (MDP) Status (2016):
• The US designated India as a Major Defence Partner, enabling access to advanced military technology.
Foundational Agreements:
• LEMOA (2016) – Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.
• COMCASA (2018) – Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement.
• BECA (2020) – Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (geospatial intelligence sharing).
Recent Agreements (2024):
• Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA).
• Memorandum on Assignment of Liaison Officers.
Recent Military Engagement (2025):
• Yudh Abhyas 2025 conducted at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
US-Origin Defence Equipment in India:
• Aircraft:
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C-130J Super Hercules
-
C-17 Globemaster
-
P-8I Poseidon
• Helicopters: -
Chinook
-
Seahawk
-
Apache
• Weapon Systems: -
Harpoon missiles
-
M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers
Challenges:
• India’s continued defence ties with Russia may create friction with US expectations.
• US export controls and intellectual property (IP) concerns may restrict full technology transfer.
• Differences in military doctrines and equipment standards hinder interoperability.
• Balancing strategic autonomy with deepening partnerships.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Major Defence Partner (2016) status granted by US to India.
• Foundational Agreements:
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LEMOA (Logistics)
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COMCASA (Secure communications)
-
BECA (Geospatial intelligence)
• Exercises: -
Yudh Abhyas (Army)
-
Malabar (Naval)
-
Tiger Triumph (Tri-service)
• ADMM-Plus: Platform for defence cooperation between ASEAN and dialogue partners.
Issue & Causes:
• Growing Indo-Pacific strategic competition.
• Need for maritime security and supply chain resilience.
• Technology-intensive modern warfare requirements.
Benefits:
• Enhanced military preparedness.
• Access to advanced defence technology.
• Strengthened deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
Challenges:
• Strategic balancing with Russia.
• Technology transfer limitations.
• Interoperability constraints.
Relevant Mains Points:
Strategic Significance:
• Strengthens India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
• Enhances India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Supports India’s objective of military modernization.
Defence Industrial Impact:
• Boost to domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
• Encourages co-development under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Aligns with Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) reforms.
Geopolitical Context:
• Occurs amid growing concerns over China’s assertiveness.
• Complements Quad cooperation (India, US, Japan, Australia).
Balancing Strategy:
• India continues multi-alignment policy, maintaining ties with:
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Russia
-
US
-
Europe
• Reflects India’s doctrine of strategic autonomy.
Way Forward:
• Ensure deeper technology sharing frameworks.
• Enhance joint R&D in emerging domains like:
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Cyber warfare
-
Space defence
-
AI-enabled military systems
• Strengthen defence supply chain resilience.
• Institutionalise interoperability through regular tri-service exercises.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS Paper II: India–US relations, Indo-Pacific strategy, multilateral forums.
• GS Paper III: Defence technology, indigenisation, security cooperation.
• Prelims: Foundational agreements, military exercises, Major Defence Partner status.
• Essay: Strategic autonomy and evolving defence partnerships.