Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-level bilateral meeting at the White House, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation between India and the United States.
During a joint press conference, President Trump announced plans to expand military sales to India, including the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets. "Starting this year, we'll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars," Trump stated.
PM Modi acknowledged the U.S.'s crucial role in India's defense preparedness and emphasized joint efforts in defense technology and production. "As strategic and trusted partners, we are actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology," he said.
The meeting, which lasted nearly four hours, marks a significant step in strengthening military and strategic ties between the two countries, with a focus on enhancing India's defense capabilities through U.S. technology and investments.
Key Agreements and Announcements:
- Ten-Year Framework Agreement: The two leaders agreed to sign a new framework to strengthen the US-India Major Defense Partnership.
- US-India COMPACT Initiative: A new initiative, Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century, was launched to deepen defense cooperation.
- Integration of US-Origin Equipment: Discussions included India's existing inventory of U.S.-supplied defense systems, such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinook helicopters, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
- Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet and Undersea Systems: The U.S. announced a review of its policy regarding the release of advanced military technologies, including fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea warfare systems, to India.
- New Defense Procurements: India plans to acquire Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft.
- Regulatory Reforms: Both countries will review arms transfer regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to facilitate defense trade, technology exchange, and maintenance of U.S.-provided defense systems in India.
- Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement: The two nations will begin negotiations for an agreement enabling the mutual supply of defense goods and services.
- Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA): A new initiative was launched to enhance industry collaboration and boost production in the Indo-Pacific region.
