India-US New Defence Agreements
India-US New Defence Agreements
India-US Defence Ties Deepen with New Agreements: SOSA and Liaison Officer Pact
Strengthening Strategic Defence Ties
India and the United States have taken another significant step in their growing defence partnership. During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the US, two major agreements were signed:
- Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): Ensures reciprocal priority support for defence-related goods and services to address supply chain disruptions.
- Liaison Officer Agreement: Facilitates the posting of Indian officers in key US commands, starting with the US Special Operations Command in Florida.
These agreements enhance interoperability, information-sharing, and strategic coordination between the two nations.
Background and Evolution of India-US Defence Relations
India-US defence cooperation has evolved through several landmark agreements:
- GSOMIA (2002): Military information sharing.
- LEMOA (2016): Logistics support.
- COMCASA (2018): Communications compatibility.
- BECA (2020): Geospatial intelligence sharing.
- ISA (2019): Industrial security.
Further initiatives include:
- INDUS-X: A defence innovation bridge under the iCET framework.
- DTTI (2012): Promoting defence trade and technology.
- Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 (2018): Elevating India’s status in US export control.
Future Prospects
India and the US are negotiating:
- Manufacturing GE F-414 jet engines for LCA MK 2 fighters.
- Procurement of 31 MQ-9B HALE UAVs, enhancing India’s surveillance capabilities.
These developments reflect a robust and expanding strategic partnership, crucial for maintaining Indo-Pacific security and regional stability.