The U.S.-India defense relationship is gaining momentum. This was clear during a recent meeting at the Pentagon between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Their discussions highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations on various defense issues. Both leaders emphasised the importance of this partnership for regional and global stability.
Shared Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Secretary Austin emphasized at the meeting that the United States and India had the same objective for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” This area, which is crossed by the Pacific and Indian oceans, is essential to international trade and security. Both nations are dedicated to making sure it stays open to everyone and free from compulsion.
According to Austin, our defense collaboration is just getting stronger. He made reference to the growing defense industrial relations between the two countries. This involves enhancing the robustness of vital supply chains and collaborating to jointly generate military capabilities.
Growing Operational Cooperation
The U.S. and India have increased their military cooperation across all domains—land, sea, air, space, and cyber. Secretary Austin highlighted India’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise this summer. This large-scale naval exercise, led by the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, brought together 29 partner nations, showcasing the importance of collaborative defense efforts.
Austin also praised the Indian Navy’s role as a “security provider” in the Indian Ocean. He noted that Indian sailors have been instrumental in helping mariners in distress and defending global commerce. The U.S. is deepening its naval cooperation with India, focusing on unmanned technology and undersea domain awareness.
The Importance of People-to-People Ties
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the U.S. and India. These connections, along with shared democratic values, form the foundation of the growing partnership between the two nations. Singh emphasized that the cooperation between the U.S. and India now extends to “all areas of human endeavor,” reflecting a deep and broad-based relationship.
New Security of Supply Agreement
The “security of supply” agreement was finalised, which was a major outcome of the summit. This non-binding agreement aims to address unanticipated supply chain issues that could impact national security. Both nations have agreed to provide priority support for goods and services that are critical for defense.
According to Vic Ramdass, Principal Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, this agreement marks a pivotal moment in the U.S.-India defense partnership. It will play a crucial role in strengthening the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), which aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries’ defense industrial bases.
Looking Ahead to Future Collaboration
The meeting between Austin and Singh sets the stage for continued collaboration between the U.S. and India in defense. Ramdass mentioned that the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment will host the next DTTI meeting this fall. This meeting will focus on deepening cooperation in defense industrial bases and pursuing joint initiatives in codevelopment, coproduction, and cosustainment.
As both nations continue to work together, the U.S.-India defense partnership will likely become even stronger, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.