Rajnath Singh in Washington DC: Growing Momentum in U.S.-India Defence Relations

Signing New U.S.-India Defence Agreement: Strengthening Ties for a Secure Indo-Pacific.

Growing Momentum in U.S.-India Defence Relations

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III today (August 23, 2024) met with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Pentagon to discuss and further strengthen the already robust defence ties between the United States and India. Both leaders praised the growing momentum in the bilateral relationship, highlighting the increasing cooperation across a range of defence issues, including the strengthening of supply chains and interoperability between their militaries, with the framework of the QUAD and otherwise.

Secretary Austin emphasised the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, stating that "our defence cooperation continues to grow stronger and stronger." He noted that the two countries are expanding their defence industrial ties and working towards co-producing more capabilities, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience.

The Secretary also underscored the importance of operational cooperation across all domains, referencing India's participation in the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in Hawaii, where the Indian Navy played a significant role as a security provider in the Indian Ocean. He praised Indian sailors for their contributions to global commerce and humanitarian efforts, stating, "Indian sailors have helped mariners in distress and defended global commerce." He was referring to the Indian Navy's rescue and security operations against threats posed by Houthi rebels, who have been harassing civilian ships and tankers in the strategic Red Sea region, which literally acts as the gateway to the Suez Canal.

Expanding Cooperation Across All Domains

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed Austin's sentiments, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the U.S.-India partnership. Singh noted the robust people-to-people ties, shared democratic values, and the convergence of interests between the two nations on various global issues. "India and the U.S. enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas of human endeavour," Singh remarked, emphasising the wide-ranging nature of their cooperation.

The Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh also pointed out the regular high-level interactions between the two countries' leaders, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the U.S. and President Joe Biden's visit to New Delhi for the G-20 Leaders Summit. These visits, Singh noted, have further strengthened the bilateral relationship and expanded the scope of cooperation.

Security of Supply Arrangement: A New Chapter in Defence Cooperation

A significant outcome of the Austin-Singh meeting was the finalisation of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) between the U.S. Department of Defence and the Indian Ministry of Defence. This non-binding agreement aims to mitigate unanticipated supply chain issues to meet national security needs. Under the SOSA, the United States and India have agreed to provide priority support for goods and services that promote national defence.

Vic Ramdass, Principal Secretary of Defence for Industrial Base Policy, hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment in the U.S.-India major defence partner relationship. "This security of supply arrangement represents a pivotal moment in the U.S.-India major defence partner relationship and will be a key factor in strengthening the U.S.-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative," Ramdass said.

A Forward-Looking Vision for U.S.-India Defence Ties

Looking ahead, both Austin and Singh expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-India defence cooperation. Austin highlighted the role of the INDUS-X initiative in accelerating defence innovation among both countries' private sectors, emphasising the potential for further collaboration in areas such as unmanned technology and undersea domain awareness. Rajnath Singh, for his part, reiterated India's commitment to deepening naval cooperation and strengthening defence ties with the United States.

The recent meeting also underscored the importance of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The U.S. and India, along with their QUAD partners, are committed to ensuring regional security and stability, thereby contributing to a rules-based international order.

India Now Engages as an Equal Partner

As the U.S. and India continue to deepen their defence partnership, the focus remains on fostering a resilient and robust relationship capable of addressing shared challenges and seizing emerging opportunities. While this collaboration promotes regional stability, it also serves as a strategic counter to China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean and its "String of Pearls" strategy, which aims to strengthen ties with India's maritime neighbours. With the signing of the Security of Supply Arrangement and ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation, the future of U.S.-India defence relations appears bright and promising¹. This latest accord coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ukraine, where he engaged constructively with President Zelenskyy. This development represents yet another step forward in the bilateral relations between two of the world’s largest democracies, reiterating their commitment to peace and coexistence, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

1.