From Cold War mistrust to Apaches and C-17s: India’s defence ties with the US
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Context
India and the United States have recently signed a new 10-year Defence Framework (2025-2035), marking a continuation of their deepening strategic partnership. This evolution, transforming a relationship historically characterized by Cold War mistrust into one defined by major arms sales, foundational agreements, and cooperation, underscores a significant geopolitical shift in the Indo-Pacific region.
UPSC Perspectives
Strategic & Geopolitical
The transition of India-US relations from Cold War estrangement (highlighted by the 1965 military freeze) to a comprehensive global strategic partnership is a critical case study in shifting geopolitical alignments. The core driver is mutual concern over a rising and assertive China in the . This has propelled platforms like the (Quad)—comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—from its origins in disaster relief (the 2004 tsunami) to a premier strategic grouping aimed at ensuring a "free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific." For UPSC Mains, analyze how this relationship balances India's traditional pursuit of strategic autonomy with its growing necessity for advanced Western technology and strategic alignment. The challenge for New Delhi remains managing this deepening US partnership while navigating its historical defense ties with Russia and maintaining its independent foreign policy posture.
Defence & Security
A defining element of the India-US partnership is the signing of the four foundational agreements, which are essential for true military interoperability (the ability of different military organizations to conduct joint operations). These agreements are frequently tested in UPSC Prelims. They include: 1) (2002) for sharing classified military information; 2) (2016) allowing mutual logistics support and refueling access; 3) (2018) enabling secure, encrypted communications; and 4) (2020) facilitating the sharing of advanced geospatial intelligence and satellite data for precision targeting. Furthermore, India's designation as a Major Defence Partner (2016) elevated its status to a level commensurate with the US's closest allies, facilitating technology transfer and co-production. These agreements provide the institutional framework necessary for complex joint exercises like (naval), (army), and (tri-service).
Technology & Trade
The economic and technological dimensions of this defense relationship have grown exponentially, with defense trade exceeding $25 billion since 2008. The transition from a buyer-seller relationship to one emphasizing technology transfer and co-production is crucial for India's initiative in the defense sector. The induction of major US platforms—such as the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules for strategic airlift, P-8I Poseidon for maritime reconnaissance, and AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopters—significantly enhances India's power projection and surveillance capabilities, particularly in the critical (IOR). From an exam perspective, understanding the specific roles of these platforms (e.g., the P-8I's role in anti-submarine warfare tracking Chinese movements in the IOR) is vital for GS Paper 3 questions on defense modernization and maritime security.