Strengthening US-India Defense Ties: Key Strategies from the Trump Administration

The Trump administration is increasing pressure on India to buy more military equipment from the United States. Since 2007, defense sales between the two nations have exceeded $25 billion. Recently, President Trump urged Prime Minister Modi to boost India’s purchases of U.S. military technology, including fighter jets, drones, and armored vehicles.

India faces a challenge in navigating this request. While the U.S. pushes for more sales, India wants to ensure that any new purchases align with its defense strategy, which emphasizes building military equipment domestically. An Indian official noted, “We will need to negotiate carefully. U.S. military technology is excellent, but it must fit our ‘Make in India’ policy and be reasonably priced.”

India’s defense ties with the U.S. have grown stronger over the years. Just a few months ago, India secured a $3.3 billion deal to buy 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. Furthermore, a $520 million contract was signed with General Atomics to establish a maintenance facility in India, which is important for enhancing bilateral defense cooperation.

The U.S. seeks even more ambitious agreements. For instance, there are ongoing talks to co-produce General Electric F414-INS6 engines with Hindustan Aeronautics. These engines will be used in India’s Tejas Mark-II fighter jets, with a substantial transfer of technology to India as part of the plan. This reflects a broader goal of collaboration rather than just purchasing finished products.

In addition, the U.S. is promoting the Stryker armored vehicle for joint manufacturing with India. The Indian Army intends to acquire 527 of these vehicles to enhance its mechanized infantry. Recently, the U.S. demonstrated the Stryker’s capabilities in Ladakh, showcasing its firepower and mobility, though some experts in India prefer homegrown solutions.

Another important focus is India’s need for new multi-role fighter aircraft. The procurement of 114 such aircraft could be valued at around Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The U.S. hopes to capture a significant portion of this contract and will showcase its F-16 and F-35 fighter jets at Aero-India, scheduled for February 2025.

On the maritime front, India is enhancing its naval capabilities. Since February 2020, India has added 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for submarine hunting as part of a $2.13 billion deal. The country is also looking at purchasing additional high-tech equipment worth $1.1 billion to support these helicopters and considering six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to bolster its existing fleet.

India’s defense strategy is evolving. While it values partnerships with nations like the U.S., it is also focused on boosting domestic production. The “Make in India” initiative aims to decrease reliance on foreign imports by fostering domestic manufacturing and innovation.

The Indian government is keen on forming co-production agreements to not only save costs but also build its military capabilities with support from global leaders in defense technology. As India continues to strengthen its ties with the U.S., it must balance its commitment to self-reliance with the pursuit of international defense collaborations.