US-India Strengthen Defense Ties With Two New Strategic Agreements

India and the United States have recently taken another significant step in their growing defense relationship by signing two key agreements: the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers. These agreements mark the latest advancements in the defense and security cooperation that has steadily strengthened over the past decade.

Overview of the New Agreements

The two agreements were signed during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s four-day official visit to the US, which concluded on August 25. These agreements are part of the broader 2023 US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, aimed at enhancing defense production and collaboration between the two nations.

Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)

Under SOSA, the US and India have agreed to provide each other with priority access to industrial resources and services that are critical for national defense. This arrangement is designed to ensure that both countries can quickly address any unexpected supply chain disruptions that may impact their national security needs.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) described SOSA as a mechanism to strengthen interoperability with defense trade partners. Although this agreement is legally non-binding, it plays a crucial role in fostering closer military ties. India is now the 18th SOSA partner of the US.

The DoD is also working on a more binding Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement with India, which aims to further promote the standardization and interoperability of conventional defense equipment between the two countries.

Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers

The Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers represents another milestone in US-India defense cooperation. This agreement builds on previous decisions to enhance information-sharing between the two nations. As part of this initiative, India will deploy a Liaison Officer to the US Special Operations Command headquarters in Florida. This move is expected to further strengthen strategic ties and improve coordination between the Indian and US armed forces.

US-India Defense Cooperation Milestones

The growing defense relationship between India and the US has its roots in the September 2013 Joint US-India Declaration on Defence Cooperation and the 2015 Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship. These frameworks have paved the way for numerous collaborations, including the recent 2023 Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation. This roadmap outlines key areas of cooperation, such as the co-production of jet engines, unmanned platforms, and munitions, along with the development of ground mobility systems.

Key Defense Initiatives and Agreements

Several other initiatives and agreements have been established over the years to enhance US-India defense ties. These include the iCET (US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology), launched in January 2023, and the INDUS-X (India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem), which was introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2023.

In addition to these, the two countries have signed several foundational defense agreements, including the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002, the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018. These agreements have significantly improved military communication, logistic support, and the sharing of classified information between the two nations.

Major Defense Procurements and Future Collaborations

India has made several high-profile military procurements from the US, including MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, Sig Sauer rifles, and M777 ultra-light howitzers. Negotiations are ongoing to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India for the LCA MK 2 fighters and to procure 31 MQ-9B High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs.

Conclusion

The recent agreements between the US and India reflect the deepening defense ties and mutual commitment to strengthening military cooperation. As both nations continue to collaborate on critical defense projects, their partnership is set to play a pivotal role in regional and global security.