Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-level bilateral meeting at the White House, reaffirming their shared commitment to bolstering defense cooperation between India and the United States.
During a joint press conference, President Trump announced plans to expand military sales to India, including discussions on the potential sale of cutting-edge F-35 fighter jets. “Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by billions of dollars,” Trump stated.
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PM Modi emphasized the importance of U.S. support in India’s defense preparedness, highlighting their growing partnership in defense technology and production. “As strategic and trusted allies, we are actively progressing toward joint development, co-production, and technology transfer,” he said.
The nearly four-hour-long meeting marked a significant step in enhancing military and strategic collaboration, focusing on strengthening India’s defense capabilities through U.S. technological advancements and investments.
Key Agreements & Announcements:
🔹 Ten-Year Defense Framework – Both leaders agreed to establish a new framework to reinforce the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership.
🔹 US-India COMPACT Initiative – A new initiative, Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century, was introduced to deepen bilateral defense cooperation.
🔹 Integration of U.S.-Supplied Defense Equipment – Talks included India’s existing U.S.-supplied military systems such as C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinook helicopters, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
🔹 Advanced Military Technology Access – The U.S. announced a policy review regarding the release of next-generation military technologies, including fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea warfare systems, to India.
🔹 New Defense Procurements – India plans to acquire Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to enhance its defense capabilities.
🔹 Regulatory Reforms for Defense Trade – Both nations agreed to review arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to streamline defense trade, facilitate technology transfers, and improve the maintenance of U.S.-supplied defense systems in India.
🔹 Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement – Negotiations will begin on a mutual defense procurement agreement, allowing both nations to supply defense goods and services to each other.
🔹 Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) – A new initiative was launched to promote industry collaboration and boost defense production in the Indo-Pacific region.
This historic meeting signifies a major leap forward in the India-U.S. strategic partnership, ensuring long-term cooperation in defense, technology, and security.
