This meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump at the White House marked a significant step in strengthening India-US defence ties. A key highlight was India's planned acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, along with a renewed push for joint development, production, and technology transfers in defence manufacturing.
PM Modi underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing that the integration of advanced US defence technologies will enhance India's military capabilities. A major milestone was the agreement to sign a new ten-year framework under the US-India Major Defence Partnership, which aims to expand cooperation amid evolving security challenges.
The joint statement acknowledged the increasing presence of US defence platforms in India's military, including aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon, CH-47F Chinook, MH-60R Seahawk, and AH-64E Apache. Additionally, the US agreed to expand sales of key weapons systems such as Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones to bolster India's surveillance and strike capabilities. New procurements will include Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to strengthen India's Indian Ocean operations.
Trump reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership, announcing that military sales to India would increase by "many billions of dollars" starting this year. Recognising India's status as a Major Defence Partner and an STA-1 holder, both countries committed to reviewing arms transfer regulations, particularly ITAR, to ease trade and technology transfers.
A crucial breakthrough was the acceleration of technology transfer for the GE-F414 jet engine, set to be co-produced by General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This deal will play a vital role in India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 2 program, which aims to replace ageing Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter jets. India has faced delays in acquiring jet engines due to global supply chain disruptions, and this agreement is expected to fast-track the development of next-generation indigenous fighter jets.
Both sides also agreed to initiate discussions for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement to align procurement systems and facilitate the exchange of defence goods and services. A new initiative, the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), was launched to enhance collaboration in defence technology across the Indo-Pacific region. Key partnerships include Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group working on advanced maritime systems and AI-driven counter-drone solutions, while L3 Harris and Bharat Electronics will jointly develop cutting-edge sonar technology.
Military cooperation will also see a significant boost with expanded joint training and exercises across multiple domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. The tri-service “Tiger Triumph” exercise, first conducted in 2019, will be held on a larger scale with greater operational complexity. India and the US also committed to increasing their military presence in the Indo-Pacific, improving intelligence-sharing, and conducting joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
This meeting reinforced India and the US as key defence allies, paving the way for deeper collaboration in advanced military technologies and regional security initiatives.
