Syllabus: GS2/IR; GS3/Defence
In News
- India and the U.S. signed a landmark 10–yearroad map to guide strategic collaboration and cooperation between the two countries across the defence spectrum.
- The pact was signed following a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Key Features of the 10 Year Roadmap
- It emphasizes joint defence production, intelligence sharing, technology co-development, and enhanced military interoperability.
- Both sides committed to strengthening multilateral exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, and Tiger Triumph, and to expanding partnerships in disaster response and counter-terrorism.
- The pact encourages direct defence sales and joint development of advanced equipment like munitions, drones, and surveillance aircraft.
- The agreement supports indigenous manufacturing under “Make in India, Make for the World,” and aims to boost India’s defence production capabilities and military modernization.
India-US Defence Cooperation
- The United States declared India a Major Defence Partner (MDP) in 2016.
- Between 2016 and 2020, the two sides signed four more agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.
- In 2024, both countries signed a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers, among other bilateral military agreements that have enhanced defence and security cooperation.
- In 2025, Indian and American troops participated in a two-week military exercise Yudh Abhyas at Fort Wainwright in Alaska.
- India’s defence inventory includes US- origin ware such as Super Hercules, Globemaster, Poseidon aircraft; Chinooks, Seahawks and Apaches; Harpoons; and M777 howitzers.
Challenges
- India’s ties with Russia and its strategic autonomy stance can complicate U.S. expectations.
- U.S. export controls and IP concerns may limit full access to cutting-edge systems.
- Differences in military doctrines and equipment standards pose interoperability hurdles.
Sources: TH
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