The defence relationship between the United States and India is strengthening through significant advancements in industrial collaborations under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) framework. Deals for MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and GE-414 jet engines are progressing, signaling a deeper level of cooperation between the two countries. Discussions on co-producing Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) are in the early stages, indicating a mutual interest in enhancing military capabilities.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell highlighted the progress on major defence deals during his visit to India, where he engaged in talks about military technology sharing and cooperation. The ongoing discussions cover a wide range of collaborative areas, including the potential co-production of advanced defence systems like the Javelin and Stryker. Additionally, plans for the US Army to demonstrate the Stryker’s capabilities to the Indian army signify a closer military partnership between the two nations.
In addition to defence collaborations, US-India cooperation extends to space exploration and technology partnerships. The joint mission between NASA and ISRO astronauts to the International Space Station represents a significant milestone in their space partnership. Furthermore, partnerships between the United States Space Force and Indian startups aim to advance space situational awareness and other technologies, highlighting the shared goal of leveraging technological advancements for strategic purposes.
