India and US Join Forces: Reviewing Military Technology Transfer Laws for Enhanced Defense Cooperation

On Friday, India and the US decided to take another look at their laws to make it easier to transfer military technology to India. They also plan to strengthen their cooperation in areas like space, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors.

The discussions between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place in Washington DC, and a joint statement was released afterward. One of the key points was about reviewing the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. This review aims to smooth out defence trade, technology sharing, maintenance, and repairs for US-made defence systems.

Additionally, the two countries will start talks this year to create a reciprocal defence procurement agreement. This agreement will help align their purchasing systems and allow easier exchange of defence goods and services. India currently benefits from the US Strategic Trade Authorization-1 and has a significant role as a Quad partner. The US also announced it would reassess its policy on supplying advanced fifth-generation fighters and undersea systems to India.

At the recent Aero India event in Bengaluru, the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet was displayed. Modi and Trump revealed plans to sign a 10-year framework for a major defence partnership later this year. This partnership will boost defence sales and co-production in India, including plans for making Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker infantry vehicles to meet India’s needs. India is also considering acquiring six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for its navy. Furthermore, the countries introduced a new initiative called the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance to enhance industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific region. Their military forces will also focus on better logistics and intelligence sharing, improving mobility for joint humanitarian missions.

In the realm of technology, the US and India launched the TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative. This program aims to strengthen collaboration between government, academia, and private sectors to explore crucial emerging technologies. These areas include defence, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum tech, biotechnology, energy, and space. The initiative emphasizes using verified technology vendors to protect sensitive information while building reliable supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals.