India-US Sign 10-Year Defence Pact Amid Tariff Turmoil
India and the United States have officially signed a landmark 10-year defence pact aimed at strengthening their military collaboration. This agreement, announced during a meeting between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur, is designed to enhance coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation between the two nations.
Enhanced Defence Cooperation
The key points of the agreement include:
– Coordination: Improved military collaboration to enhance operational readiness.
– Information Sharing: Increased transparency and communication for joint missions.
– Technology Cooperation: Access to advanced military technologies to bolster defence capabilities.
Secretary Hegseth emphasized that this pact would not only contribute to “regional stability and deterrence” but also provide critical policy guidance for the future of India-US defence relations. Singh declared that this agreement marks a new chapter of strategic convergence, reinforcing the defence sector as a vital pillar of bilateral ties. He stated, Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Background and Implications
This accord emerges amidst ongoing tensions, particularly after US President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, including a notable 25% penalty on purchases of Russian oil and arms. Notably, geopolitical dynamics have shifted, with India gradually reducing its dependence on Russian military supplies in favor of diversifying its defence partnerships.
Pramit Pal Chaudhuri from the Eurasia Group highlighted that the pact was initially intended to be finalized in mid-2023. However, delays arose due to India’s dissatisfaction with Trump’s remarks regarding his role in South Asian conflicts.
India has been actively increasing its defence ties with the US, particularly following Prime Minister Modi’s discussions with Trump in February, where significant military equipment sales were projected, including potential future acquisitions of F-35 stealth warplanes.
As these negotiations unfold, both nations are working to resolve outstanding trade issues while emphasizing a commitment to strengthening their military alliance. With potential energy and defence purchases from the US on the horizon, the future of the India-US defence cooperation looks promising as both countries aim to finalize a comprehensive trade deal by November.