The visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India has underscored the growing depth of the defence relationship between the two countries. This relationship has evolved into one of the most comprehensive strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
High-Level Discussions in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Rubio in New Delhi, noting that discussions focused on sustained progress in the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and on issues of regional and global peace and security. Rubio, joined by senior officials, emphasized that India is a vital partner for the US, highlighting cooperation in security, trade, and critical technologies as central to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Framework for Defence Cooperation
India-US defence cooperation rests on the New Framework for India-US Defence Cooperation. Since 2016, India has been termed a Major Defence Partner by Washington, DC. Since then, the relationship has expanded through institutionalised dialogues, defence procurements, and joint exercises.
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, co-chaired by the foreign and defence ministers of both nations alongside their US counterparts, provides strategic guidance. The fifth edition was held in New Delhi in November 2023, followed by high-level visits in 2024 that saw key agreements such as the Security of Supply Arrangement and deployment of Indian liaison officers to the US Special Operations Command.
Enhancing Interoperability and Industrial Cooperation
Framework agreements such as LEMOA, COMCASA, ISA, and BECA have enhanced interoperability and information sharing. Industrial cooperation has also accelerated, with the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the INDUS-X initiative fostering co-production and innovation.
Military Exercises and Defence Trade
Military-to-military exchanges remain a key element of the relationship, with India conducting a large number of exercises with the US across services. Bilateral exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, Malabar, Cope India, and Tiger Triumph, alongside participation in multilateral drills like RIMPAC and Sea Dragon, have deepened operational synergy. India’s role as an Associate Partner in the Combined Maritime Force further reflects shared maritime security priorities.
Defence trade has grown significantly, with India procuring over $20 billion worth of US-origin platforms, including C-130J and C-17 aircraft, Apache and Chinook helicopters, MH-60R helicopters, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
The visit of Secretary Rubio marks another milestone in the steadily strengthening defence ties between India and the United States, reinforcing their commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
