Growing defense partnership between the US and India has resulted in significant advancements in technology sharing, combined military drills, and defense acquisition

Contemporary Period (2010–Present): All-Inclusive Defense Collaboration

Defense Trade and Military Procurement: India is one of the biggest importers of American defense hardware, obtaining advanced military hardware like:

MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Indian Navy; P-8I Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft; Apache AH-64E and Chinook CH-47 helicopters; C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft; and Predator MQ-9B drones for reconnaissance and surveillance

In order to improve defense trade and technology transfers to levels comparable to those experienced by America's closest allies, the U.S. designated India as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) in 2016.

India and the United States have established a number of foundational agreements that have greatly enhanced operational coordination, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. These agreements include:

The 2016 Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) allows the two countries' armed forces to use each other's bases for resupply and refueling.

Secure communications between their military systems are made possible by the 2018 Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). The 2020 Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) encourages the sharing of satellite data and geospatial intelligence for military uses.

Joint Military Exercises: To improve readiness and interoperability, India and the United States regularly participate in joint military exercises. Among the noteworthy exercises are:

• As part of the Quad alliance, Japan and Australia participated in the Malabar (Naval Exercise).
• The goal of the Army Exercise Yudh Abhyas is to improve coordination in land warfare.
• Strengthening counterterrorism capabilities is the goal of the Special Forces Exercise, Vajra Prahar.
• The focus of the Air Force Exercise Cope India is air superiority and aerial combat.

QUAD Cooperation and Indo-Pacific Strategy: India and the United States have matched their strategic interests to advance a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in response to China's growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

Indo-Pacific Strategy and Cooperation with QUAD: India and the United States have matched their strategic goals to advance a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in response to China's growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. In order to improve maritime security, promote infrastructure development, and strengthen economic resilience in the region, they are important players in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which also involves Australia and Japan.

Defense Innovation and Technology Transfer: The India-US Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) encourages the cooperative creation and manufacturing of cutting-edge defense technologies. Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) is one of the main areas of collaboration.

• Technology of Jet Engines
• UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles
• The Use of AI in Defense
• Space-based systems and cybersecurity

Challenges in India-US Defense Relations: India's Strategic Autonomy: India seeks to maintain its non-aligned stance by striking a balance between its defense ties with France and Russia and its relationship with the US.

Unpredictability in US Policy: There is a degree of uncertainty introduced by the transactional character of US foreign policy, which is subject to change with successive administrations. India needs to make sure that it doesn't rely too much on one partner for its defense strategy.

Limitations on Technology Transfer: The United States is still wary of disclosing sensitive defense technologies.

Indigenous Defense Capabilities: India's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities have not been considerably improved by the partnership, despite the fact that it has made it easier to access cutting-edge technologies.

Risks of Sanctions and CAATSA: India's purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems could result in US sanctions under the CAATSA law.

Bureaucratic Challenges: The speed of defense cooperation is hampered by convoluted procurement procedures and policy inconsistencies.

In conclusion, India-US defense ties have grown stronger over the last two decades, developing into a full-fledged security alliance. Defense cooperation will continue to be a key component of both nations' relationship as they work to preserve Indo-Pacific stability and handle new security threats.