The conclave between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump saw the two sides agreeing to ramp up defence ties for more efficient arms transfer and procurement, and laying the framework for a stronger, technology-driven partnership.
The two sides acknowledged the increasing integration of US defence systems into India’s military, including aircraft like:
C-130J Super Hercules
C-17 Globemaster III
P-8I Poseidon
CH-47F Chinook
MH-60R Seahawk
AH-64E Apache
"America plays an important role in India’s defence preparedness as strategic and trusted partners, we are moving forward actively towards joint development, joint production and transfer of technology in the times to come... new technologies and equipment will enhance our capacities," Modi said at a joint press briefing with Trump.
A major highlight of the joint statement was the plan to sign a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership.
This agreement aims to strengthen bilateral defence ties amid evolving security challenges, reinforcing both nations' commitment to closer cooperation.
To further bolster India’s firepower and surveillance capabilities, the US will expand sales of Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones.
Both sides also announced new procurements and co-production agreements. India is set to acquire Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance surveillance in the Indian Ocean.
"Starting this year, we’ll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars," Trump said.
A major initiative announced was the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), which will drive collaboration in defence technology and production across the Indo-Pacific. Notable partnerships include:
Anduril Industries & Mahindra Group – Co-developing advanced maritime systems and AI-enabled counter-drone solutions.
L3 Harris & Bharat Electronics – Joint development of advanced sonar technology.
Recognising India’s status as a Major Defence Partner and Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) holder, the US and India agreed to review arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The move aims to simplify defence trade, technology transfers, and maintenance of US-provided military equipment in India.
It is also expected to accelerate technology transfer for the GE-F414 jet engine, set to be co-produced by General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in a landmark deal announced last year.
India has faced delays in acquiring jet engines for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A and Mark 2, partly due to global supply chain disruptions. Finalising the deal will expedite the LCA Mark 2 program, which aims to replace India’s ageing Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter jets.
On the economic front, both leaders set a new target -- "Mission 500" -- to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Some of the major economic pacts are a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by autumn 2025, covering multiple sectors and a commitment to resolving trade barriers, including the controversial reciprocal tariffs.
Recognition of Indian investments worth $7.355 billion in the US, supporting 3,000 high-quality jobs.
The trade discussions took place against the backdrop of Trump's 25 per cent tariff on global steel and aluminium imports, a move that could impact Indian exports.
India and the US announced the TRUST ("Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology") Initiative which will facilitate partnerships between governments, academia, and the private sector in critical and emerging technologies.
A US-India AI Roadmap to be finalised by the end of the year. Next-generation data centres and AI processing partnerships were also announced.
INDUS Innovation, modelled after INDUS-X, to advance industry-academic collaboration in space, energy, and biotechnology.
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