October 31, 2025, India and the United States signed a 10-year Framework for the U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The pact builds on India’s Major Defence Partner (MDP) status (2016), reflecting a maturing defence relationship aligned with Indo-Pacific stability.
India–U.S. Defence Relations so far:
- 2005: New Framework for Defence Cooperation was agrred upon.
- 2016–2020: Foundational pacts — LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020) were signed.
- 2023–2025: Upgradation of defence cooperation through iCET and COMPACT initiatives for critical tech and defence innovation.
Key Features of the 2025 Framework:
- Multi-Domain Scope: Cooperation across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space.
- Technology Sharing & Innovation: Co-development via DTTI; focus on jet-engine tech, UAVs, AI, and quantum systems.
- Operational Coordination: Enhanced interoperability through exercises such as Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, and Cope India.
- Maritime Security: Strengthened cooperation under the Quad, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Industrial Collaboration: Encourages joint ventures, startups, and private sector participation under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Significance for bilateral ties:
- Strategic Convergence: Deepens trust and shared security vision in the Indo-Pacific.
- Capability Boost: Enables India to access advanced systems like P-8I Poseidon, MH-60R, and MQ-9B drones.
- Economic Growth: Further deepens India–U.S. defence trade which surpassed USD 25 billion.
- Technology Leap: Strengthens India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem through co-development projects.
Balancing India’s Strategic Autonomy:
- Multi-Alignment Diplomacy: India continues strong defence ties with Russia, France, and Israel alongside U.S. engagement.
- Issue-Based Partnerships: Supports Indo-Pacific freedom but remains outside U.S.-led military alliances.
- Indigenous Manufacturing: Promotes ‘Make in India’ and co-development models to reduce import dependency.
- Autonomous Decision-Making: India’s firm stance on purchasing S-400 systems from Russia underscores its independent security calculus.
But challenges persist:
- Technology transfer restrictions under U.S. export laws.
- Risk of CAATSA-related sanctions.
- Divergent geopolitical interests as seen in cases like West Asia and Afghanistan.
- Bureaucratic delays and procurement bottlenecks.
Way Forward:
- Deepen technology co-development under DTTI and iCET.
- Institutionalize defence dialogue mechanisms for continuity.
- Build maritime domain awareness through Quad frameworks.
- Strengthen indigenous defence R&D for long-term autonomy.
Conclusion:
The 2025 Framework Agreement marks a qualitative leap in India–U.S. defence ties. By coupling this engagement with a multi-aligned strategic posture, India safeguards its strategic autonomy while contributing to a secure, multipolar Indo-Pacific.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- India conducts 50+ joint military activities annually with the U.S. (MoD, 2024).
- DTTI projects include air-launched UAVs, infantry combat vehicles, and jet engine R&D.
- India’s defence exports rose 200% (2018–2024), partly aided by U.S. partnerships.
- Indo-Pacific trade corridor carries 60% of global GDP flows through, highlighting strategic stakes.
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