India and US Conclude Defense Industry Cooperation Roadmap

Defense Giants of India and US
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India and the United States have finalized a roadmap for defence industry cooperation, aiming to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities and strengthen military ties between the two countries.

The move is seen as a strategic measure by Washington to counterbalance China's regional dominance.

Roadmap Finalized in High-Level Meeting:

The roadmap was agreed upon during a meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.

The timing is significant, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Washington later this month for discussions with President Joe Biden.

Modi is also expected to deliver a speech at US Congress.  

Focus on Industrial Cooperation:

According to Indian Defence Ministry, the talks between Singh and Austin had a particular emphasis on:

• Identifying ways to strengthen industrial cooperation.

• Exploring opportunities for co-development of new technologies,

• Co-production of existing and new systems, and

• Collaboration between defence start-up ecosystems.

Reducing Dependence and Increasing Diversification:

India, being the world's largest arms importer, heavily relies on Russia for about half of its military supplies.

However, in recent years, India has been diversifying its sources and increasing its purchases from countries like the US, France, and Israel.

The aim is to reduce dependence on a single supplier and encourage global defence manufacturers to partner with Indian companies for local consumption and exports.

Strategic Procurement Plans:

India's procurement plans include the purchase of 18 high-altitude, long-endurance armed drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc, estimated at $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

These drones are expected to be deployed along India's borders with China and Pakistan, as well as in the Indian Ocean region for strategic purposes.

Discussion on Joint Production and Manufacture:

Recent discussions in Washington at a meeting of the US-India Defence Policy Group also touched upon joint production and manufacture of:

• Combat aircraft engines,

• Infantry combat vehicles,

• Howitzers, and

• Precision ordnance.

These collaborative efforts aim to enhance India's self-reliance in defence production.

Rising US-India Defence Trade:

US defence trade with India has experienced significant growth, increasing from negligible levels in 2008 to surpassing $20 billion in 2020.

India's purchases from the US have included:

• Long-range maritime patrol aircraft,

• C-130 transport aircraft,

• Missiles, and

• Combat and General Drones.

Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties:

The finalization of the roadmap for defence industrial cooperation reflects the intent of both countries to strengthen their bilateral defence ties.

By boosting defence manufacturing capabilities and fostering technological collaboration, India and the US aim to enhance their strategic partnership and address regional security challenges effectively.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)