A nuanced deal to boost defence, tech ties

F-35 pitch puts focus on IAF modernisation

- Prashant Jha

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump have expressed their "unwavering commitment to a dynamic defence partnership spanning multiple domains", with India expressing its willingness to buy more American equipment and engage in nuclear commerce and the US expressing openness to lift tech restrictions that have inhibited sales.

This commitment comes in a year when both countries are set to announce a new 10-year framework for the US-India major defence partnership. Each such framework in the last two decades has been accompanied by a major qualitative and quantitative deepening of defence ties. In his remarks at a joint press conference with President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the US had a key role in Indian defence preparedness, new technologies and equipment will enhance Indian capacities and as trusted strategic partners, both countries would engage in joint development, joint production and transfer of technology. Trump said that India would buy "billions of dollars" of US equipment.

What India has bought, what it will buy The segment on defence in the joint statement acknowledges India's acquisitions of American platforms that Trump wants to see India do more. "The leaders welcomed the significant integration of US-origin defence items into India's inventory to date, including C-130J Super Hercules, C17-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."

Both leaders then agreed that the US would expand defence sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defence industrial cooperation.