Contact Us 
Subscribe Us
Both sides highlight the growing depth and scope of India-US defence cooperation
In a significant move to bolster India-US defence relations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday (November 21, 2024). The meeting underscored the growing convergence of strategic interests and marked another step in deepening the bilateral defense partnership between the two nations.
Key Achievements in Defence Cooperation
Both leaders commended the substantial progress achieved under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap. This strategic framework has facilitated advancements in key areas, including co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.
Highlighting his August 2024 visit to the US, Rajnath Singh recalled the signing of two pivotal agreements:
Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): Aimed at ensuring mutual supply of defense goods and services amidst unforeseen disruptions.
Memorandum of Agreement for Liaison Officers: Focused on enhancing interoperability, cooperation, and information-sharing between the two countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific through strengthened military partnership and interoperability.
Quad and Regional Initiatives
Singh highlighted the successful Quad Summit held in September 2024, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts on agreed deliverables, including:
Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): A regional training program aimed at capacity building.
Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: The first-ever initiative to enhance maritime cooperation.
Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network: A pilot project to improve response efficiency for natural disasters across the Indo-Pacific region.
Fostering Defence Innovation
Both leaders expressed strong support for the growing innovation collaboration under the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem. This initiative facilitates partnerships among governments, businesses, and academic institutions by providing joint challenges, funding opportunities, and visibility.
The collaboration aims to drive cutting-edge advancements in technology, spanning areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced weaponry, and maritime domain awareness.
Future-Ready Defence Capabilities
The meeting follows India’s recent acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US, a $3.5 billion deal intended to enhance defence preparedness, especially in the maritime domain. These drones will be distributed among the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force to strengthen surveillance and combat capabilities.
Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is negotiating a landmark deal with GE Aerospace for the co-production of F414 engines in India. This collaboration is expected to bridge critical technology gaps, boost indigenous manufacturing, and potentially pave the way for exports.
Rajnath Singh lauded Lloyd J. Austin’s contribution to strengthening India-US defence ties. In a post on X, Singh referred to Austin as "a great friend to India" and acknowledged his instrumental role in expanding the partnership. “It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, Lloyd Austin. His contribution towards strengthening India-US defence partnership has been exemplary,” Singh wrote.
Focus on Innovation, Co-production, and Regional Stability
The two leaders also discussed the broader implications of their defence partnership in countering shared regional challenges, including maritime security threats, cyber warfare, and terrorism. They commended the progress achieved by the India-US defence partnership, based on increased operational coordination, information-sharing, and industrial innovation.
Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and adherence to international law for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. This aligns with India’s broader vision of fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to address pressing global challenges.
As the ADMM-Plus forum concluded, the meeting between Rajnath Singh and Lloyd Austin highlighted the growing depth and scope of India-US defence cooperation. With a focus on innovation, co-production, and regional stability, the partnership continues to evolve as a cornerstone of India’s strategic engagement with the global community
Key Achievements in Defence Cooperation
Both leaders commended the substantial progress achieved under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap. This strategic framework has facilitated advancements in key areas, including co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.
Highlighting his August 2024 visit to the US, Rajnath Singh recalled the signing of two pivotal agreements:
Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): Aimed at ensuring mutual supply of defense goods and services amidst unforeseen disruptions.
Memorandum of Agreement for Liaison Officers: Focused on enhancing interoperability, cooperation, and information-sharing between the two countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific through strengthened military partnership and interoperability.
Quad and Regional Initiatives
Singh highlighted the successful Quad Summit held in September 2024, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts on agreed deliverables, including:
Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): A regional training program aimed at capacity building.
Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: The first-ever initiative to enhance maritime cooperation.
Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network: A pilot project to improve response efficiency for natural disasters across the Indo-Pacific region.
Fostering Defence Innovation
Both leaders expressed strong support for the growing innovation collaboration under the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem. This initiative facilitates partnerships among governments, businesses, and academic institutions by providing joint challenges, funding opportunities, and visibility.
The collaboration aims to drive cutting-edge advancements in technology, spanning areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced weaponry, and maritime domain awareness.
Future-Ready Defence Capabilities
The meeting follows India’s recent acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US, a $3.5 billion deal intended to enhance defence preparedness, especially in the maritime domain. These drones will be distributed among the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force to strengthen surveillance and combat capabilities.
Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is negotiating a landmark deal with GE Aerospace for the co-production of F414 engines in India. This collaboration is expected to bridge critical technology gaps, boost indigenous manufacturing, and potentially pave the way for exports.
Rajnath Singh lauded Lloyd J. Austin’s contribution to strengthening India-US defence ties. In a post on X, Singh referred to Austin as "a great friend to India" and acknowledged his instrumental role in expanding the partnership. “It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, Lloyd Austin. His contribution towards strengthening India-US defence partnership has been exemplary,” Singh wrote.
Focus on Innovation, Co-production, and Regional Stability
The two leaders also discussed the broader implications of their defence partnership in countering shared regional challenges, including maritime security threats, cyber warfare, and terrorism. They commended the progress achieved by the India-US defence partnership, based on increased operational coordination, information-sharing, and industrial innovation.
Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and adherence to international law for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. This aligns with India’s broader vision of fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to address pressing global challenges.
As the ADMM-Plus forum concluded, the meeting between Rajnath Singh and Lloyd Austin highlighted the growing depth and scope of India-US defence cooperation. With a focus on innovation, co-production, and regional stability, the partnership continues to evolve as a cornerstone of India’s strategic engagement with the global community
Contact Us 
Subscribe 
News Letter 
