07-Feb-2025, 03:02 PM
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have agreed to enhance defense cooperation to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. This agreement came during an introductory call where both leaders outlined an ambitious agenda to accelerate operational cooperation, defense industrial and technology collaboration, and military interoperability.
Key Discussion Points:
Commitment to Partnership: Hegseth reaffirmed the shared commitment to the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership.
Framework for Cooperation: Both ministers agreed to develop a comprehensive framework on defense cooperation aimed at structuring bilateral collaboration from 2025-2035.
Areas of Collaboration: Discussions covered land, air, maritime, and space domains, with appreciation for the ongoing expansion of bilateral defense ties.
Military Interoperability: Singh and Hegseth discussed enhancing logistics, information sharing, and joint military exercises.
Technology Cooperation: They underscored the importance of technology cooperation, defense industrial supply chain integration, and fostering innovation among governments, businesses, academic institutions, and startups.
The U.S. and India are working to address growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, where regional rivalries are causing increased tensions. Interoperability is crucial to ensuring that both countries’ armed forces can work together effectively during conflicts or crises.
The upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, involving key defense and foreign affairs officials, is expected to build on the foundations laid during the call to finalize the defense framework. This framework aims to solidify the strategic partnership and enable the two nations to play a vital role in maintaining regional stability.
The U.S. and India are increasingly engaging in defense activities that were once considered unattainable. For example, there were no U.S. defense sales to India 20 years ago. Now, they are discussing co-producing and co-developing major systems. India is also participating in annual air and maritime exercises with the U.S. in the region. Working groups are addressing areas from cyberspace and critical technologies to maritime security, with India playing a leading role alongside the U.S. and other partners. Critical technologies include artificial intelligence, advanced sensor development, unmanned systems, quantum physics, and undersea domain awareness. The U.S. Navy has also started using Indian shipyards for repair work.
