India-US Forge New 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework

India and the United States have begun discussions to draft a new 10-year defence partnership framework to run from 2025 to 2035. The initiative aims to strengthen defence ties, promote efficient procurement, and facilitate smoother trade and technology sharing between the two nations.

India and the United States are poised to formalize a new 10-year defence agreement set to span from 2025 to 2035, enhancing their military cooperation. This plan, branded as the 'US-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century,' is designed to bolster defence interactions and procurement efficiency between the two parties, officials confirmed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, DC.

The soon-to-be-penned agreement will streamline the purchase of defence goods and services, promoting seamless acquisition processes. According to the Indian Foreign Secretary, 'Defence remains a pivotal area in our strategic partnership,' marking this new framework as an instrumental step in future collaborations.

Furthermore, Modi and Trump reaffirmed their dedication to a resilient defence partnership and agreed to scrutinize arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to ease defence trades. This revision aims to enhance technology sharing and maintenance protocols, building upon India's designation as a 'Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1)' and a crucial QUAD member.

The leaders proposed a 'Reciprocal Defence Procurement' agreement to synchronize procurement systems and endorse mutual supply in defence sectors. The announcement includes plans to expand defence technology cooperation, highlighting sectors such as space, air defence, and maritime technologies. The U.S. intends to review its policy on releasing advanced fighters and undersea systems to India as part of this initiative.

Plans are also afoot to grow defence sales and co-production activities, with new initiatives for 'Javelin' anti-tank guided missiles and 'Stryker' combat vehicles on the horizon. Notably, the agreement outlines the procurement of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft, enhancing India's strategic surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean. Integrating U.S.-origin defence equipment into India's inventory continues to feature prominently in this evolving partnership.

Labelled the 'US-India COMPACT for the 21st Century,' this initiative underscores the commitment to advancing military partnerships, accelerated commerce, and technological advancement between the two industrial powerhouses.

(With inputs from agencies.)