Syllabus Mapping
Mains-GS-II: Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements.
Context and Background
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. on February 13, 2025, resulted in key agreements to boost India-U.S. defense ties.
• Key defense acquisitions include:
o Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).
o Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICV).
o More P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.
• A new 10-year framework for U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership is set to be signed.
Significance of U.S.-India Defence Ties
• Enhancing India’s Defence Capabilities:
o Strengthens self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defense manufacturing.
o Facilitates technology transfer and joint production.
• Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security:
o Ensures regional maritime security through P-8I aircraft.
o Supports India’s counterbalance to China’s growing assertiveness.
• Defence Interoperability with the U.S.:
o Enables seamless military coordination and technology integration.
o Strengthens India’s role as a strategic U.S. ally.
Key Agreements in the New Defence Framework
A. Joint Production and Technology Transfer
• India to co-produce Javelin missiles and Stryker combat vehicles, improving local manufacturing.
• Joint development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and autonomous defense systems between L3Harris and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• India to purchase more P-8I aircraft to strengthen maritime domain awareness (MDA).
• Autonomous Systems Initiative launched under PM Modi and former President Trump.
B. Strengthening Defence Logistics and Trade
• Interoperability initiatives to integrate India into U.S. defense supply chains.
• Increased intelligence-sharing and security cooperation.
C. Expansion of Undersea, Space, and Air Defense Cooperation
• India-U.S. reviewing undersea warfare collaboration.
• Joint research in space security and missile defense.
Challenges in U.S.-India Defence Cooperation
A. Issues in Technology Transfer
• The joint statement was silent on General Electric (GE) Aerospace's F-404 GE-IN-20 engines for the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet.
• Uncertainty in U.S. commitment to 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT) to HAL.
• Similar issues in the past led to France’s Rafale winning over U.S. fighter jets.
B. Constraints on Integrating F-35 Lightning II Fighter Aircraft
• Trump suggested India could purchase F-35 fighter jets, but challenges exist:
o High cost: The F-35 costs $80 million per unit.
o Operational and Infrastructure Gaps in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
o Lack of maintenance and supply chain support for F-35 in India.
o U.S. stringent end-use monitoring policies.
C. Slow Modernization of IAF Fleet
• India faces delays in replacing outdated MiG-21 squadrons.
• IAF's medium fighter aircraft (MMRCA) project for 114 jets remains uncertain.
D. Risk of Political Uncertainty
• Changing U.S. political leadership could alter defense agreements.
• Dependency on U.S. technology may limit India’s strategic autonomy.
Way Forward for Strengthening India-U.S. Defence Ties
A. Ensuring Faster Transfer of Technology
• India must negotiate stronger terms for ToT, especially for GE fighter jet engines.
• Expanding joint defense research and indigenous production.
B. Balancing Procurement with Self-Reliance
• India should prioritize domestic fighter jet production (Tejas, AMCA) while selectively acquiring U.S. technology.
• Reducing over-reliance on U.S. weapons systems.
C. Strengthening Defence Infrastructure for Advanced Weapon Systems
• Upgrading airbases and maintenance facilities for next-gen aircraft.
• Investing in stealth and electronic warfare technology.
D. Diversifying Defence Imports
• Maintaining a mix of U.S., French, Israeli, and indigenous defense acquisitions to ensure flexibility.
• Accelerating the 114 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) project.
