New Delhi [India], February 14 (HBTV): India and the US are set to begin talks this year to sign a new 10-year defence framework, running from 2025 to 2035, with finalization expected later this year.

The framework, titled ‘US-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century,’ aims to strengthen defence ties between the two nations, according to a joint statement released following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC.

Once in place, the agreement will facilitate the procurement of defence goods and services between the two countries, enhancing efficiency in defence trade.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary stated: ‘Defence, as highlighted by both leaders, remains a crucial area of cooperation in the strategic partnership between the two countries. The leaders announced plans to finalize a new 10-year framework for the US-India major defence partnership in the 21st century, which will run from 2025 to 2035 and is expected to be finalized later this year.’

According to the statement, PM Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to a robust and dynamic defence partnership, agreeing to review their respective arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

This review is expected to facilitate smoother defence trade, technology sharing, and maintenance of US-provided defence systems in India. India’s status as a ‘Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1)’ holder and a key QUAD partner further solidifies its position in defence cooperation with the US.

‘Highlighting the deepening convergence of US-India strategic interests, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a dynamic defence partnership spanning multiple domains. To advance defence ties further, the leaders announced plans to sign this year a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century,’ the statement read.

‘Recognizing that India is a major defence partner with Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) authorisation and a key QUAD partner, the US and India will review their respective arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to streamline defence trade, technology exchange, maintenance, spare supplies, and in-country repair and overhaul of US-provided defence systems,’ the India-US joint statement added.

The two countries also agreed to initiate negotiations for a ‘Reciprocal Defence Procurement’ (RDP) agreement, aligning their defence procurement systems and allowing reciprocal supply of defence goods and services.

‘The leaders pledged to accelerate defence technology cooperation across space, air defence, missile, maritime, and undersea technologies, with the US announcing a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters and undersea systems to India,’ the statement added.

The US also plans to expand defence sales and co-production with India, including new procurement and co-production initiatives for ‘Javelin’ anti-tank guided missiles and ‘Stryker’ infantry combat vehicles.

Additionally, both nations have agreed to finalize the procurement of six more P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.

‘The leaders welcomed the significant integration of US-origin defence items into India’s inventory to date, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers; and MQ-9Bs. The leaders determined that the US would expand defence sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defence industrial cooperation,’ the joint statement read.

Furthermore, PM Modi and President Trump announced plans to pursue new procurements and co-production arrangements for ‘Javelin’ anti-tank guided missiles and ‘Stryker’ infantry combat vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defence requirements. They also expect the completion of procurement for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region following agreement on sale terms.

These initiatives fall under the ‘US-India COMPACT for the 21st Century’ initiative, launched by PM Modi and President Trump to drive change in ‘Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce, and Technology’ between the two nations. (ANI)