Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-level meeting at the White House, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening defense ties between India and the United States.
During a joint press conference, President Trump announced plans to enhance military sales to India, including a potential deal for advanced F-35 fighter jets. He stated, “Starting this year, we will significantly increase military sales to India, amounting to billions of dollars.”
PM Modi acknowledged the U.S.’s vital role in India’s defense preparedness and emphasized the importance of collaboration in defense technology and production. “As strategic and trusted partners, we are making strides in joint development, production, and technology transfer,” he remarked.
Read More: F-35 Jet Crashes During Training Exercise at Eielson Air Force Base
The nearly four-hour meeting marked a crucial step in bolstering military and strategic cooperation between the two nations, focusing on enhancing India’s defense capabilities through U.S. technology and investment.
Key Agreements and Announcements:
- Ten-Year Framework Agreement – Both leaders agreed to establish a new framework to strengthen the US-India Major Defense Partnership.
- US-India COMPACT Initiative – A new program, Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century, was introduced to deepen defense collaboration.
- Integration of US-Origin Equipment – Talks included India’s current arsenal of U.S.-supplied defense systems, such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinook helicopters, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
- Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets and Undersea Warfare Systems – The U.S. announced a policy review regarding the release of advanced military technology, including fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea warfare capabilities, to India.
- New Defense Procurements – India is set to acquire Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft.
- Regulatory Reforms – Both nations will review arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to facilitate defense trade, technology exchange, and maintenance of U.S.-provided defense systems in India.
- Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement – Discussions will commence on a deal allowing mutual supply of defense goods and services.
- Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) – A new initiative was launched to strengthen industry collaboration and boost production in the Indo-Pacific region.
