The Pentagon has emphasized that the defence relationship between India and the United States is progressing rapidly and in exciting directions. Ely Ratner, the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, highlighted that the partnership is thriving, with significant advancements in both defence industrial cooperation and operational collaboration between the two nations’ armed forces.
Ratner stated that the India-US defence relationship is “accelerating and advancing in terrific and exciting ways,” noting the continued growth despite fluctuations in the India-China relationship. He pointed out that India, as a Major Defence Partner of the US, plays a pivotal role in the bilateral ties, which are considered a cornerstone of the broader US-India relationship.
One recent milestone was the agreement between India and the US in October for the procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft, including both Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian variants. This deal will significantly boost India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across various domains.
Additionally, India and the US concluded the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) earlier this year, which strengthens their mutual supply of defence goods and services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden have also committed to furthering discussions to align their defence procurement systems, ensuring smoother reciprocal supply of defence materials.
The Pentagon’s remarks underline the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, with the defence sector playing an increasingly important role in fostering bilateral ties.
