The recently concluded state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States is undoubtedly a new bet by both sides promote their strategic cooperation to an unprecedented level, while holding back from becoming a treaty ally. Announcement Potential joint manufacture of General Electric (GE) Aerospace’s F414 engine in India by GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to power India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 and twin-engine Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Mk1 as well Procurement of 31 high-altitude, long-endurance Predator-MQ-9B Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles take defense ties between countries to a new height. Military cooperation between the two countries has been deepening in recent times. India has bought C-130 and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters as well as CH-47 Chinook and MH-60R multi-role helicopters, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and M777 Ultra Light from the US. howitzer, among others. The US is aggressively pitching its fighter jets, the F-16 and the F/A-18, to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. India and the US tried to shelve an earlier engine development effort a few years ago under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative. But now, the new jet engine deal is an investment in each other to address shared security concerns while setting aside disagreements.
Foremost among their shared concerns is China and its expansion in the Indo-Pacific region. The US also wants to keep India away from its defense partnership with Russia in the long term. From a technological perspective, the newly announced joint initiatives in jet engine production, semiconductor and space technology provide an opportunity for India to develop a defense industry of its own and improve its technological capability across the board. India and the US have already signed four foundational agreements and regularly conduct joint military exercises. While its embrace with the US grows stronger, deeper and more comprehensive, India is also aware of the need to maintain its strategic autonomy. At present, the US strategy is focused on creating a new bipolarity in the world, which India is not comfortable with. Getting caught up in the power rivalry of others is the last thing India wants, and the good news is that the US is becoming increasingly aware of this concern. India’s desire to protect its borders and sovereignty is in line with US interests. This marks a new era of mutual trust between the two countries and should serve as a force for stability in the region.