India’s deepening relationship with the United States has been underscored by significant defence deals signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit, according to industry analysts. They argue that these agreements not only advance India’s defence capabilities but also herald a new era in the ties between the two nations.
The two countries signed a $3 billion agreement for 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The deal includes 15 SeaGuardian drones for the Navy and eight SkyGuardian drones each for the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Furthermore, General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop fighter jet engines for the IAF, another significant leap towards a shared future.
Former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran characterised these developments as marking a “new era” in the India-US relationship, centred around defence and technology sectors. He emphasised the boldness and ambition displayed by both sides as they seek to substantially increase their strategic ties.
Air Marshal Ravi Kant Sharma (retired), former Vice Chief of the IAF, lauded the GE-HAL MoU, asserting it’s a significant stride towards self-reliance in jet engine technology for India. He also extolled the procurement of the UAVs, highlighting their crucial role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Ex-Navy Spokesperson Captain DK Sharma (retired) echoed similar sentiments on the UAVs. He emphasised their importance in maintaining vigilance over India’s maritime boundaries, especially given increasing Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean region.
Prime Minister Modi’s US visit also resulted in key outcomes beyond defence. Micron, a major computer storage chip manufacturer, announced plans to establish a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat. Both nations also agreed to jointly send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024.
Lastly, India has chosen to join the Artemis Accords for shared civil space exploration, highlighting yet another promising collaboration between NASA and ISRO in the years to come.
