India-USA Relations -UPSC Paper: GS Paper II

Discuss the significance of India’s defense cooperation with the United States, focusing on the recently launched “U.S.-India COMPACT” initiative. How does it contribute to India’s strategic autonomy and security interests? (250 words)

UPSC Paper: GS Paper II

🔹 Syllabus Topic: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Answer:

India-U.S. defense cooperation has expanded significantly under the “U.S.-India COMPACT” initiative, reinforcing India’s military capabilities and strategic autonomy. The agreement includes a ten-year framework for the Major Defense Partnership, enabling enhanced joint production and procurement of advanced weaponry such as Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles.

Additionally, India’s acquisition of six P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft strengthens maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement further aligns procurement policies, fostering ease of defense trade.

Strategically, the initiative enhances India’s military readiness, intelligence-sharing capabilities, and joint operations, including expanded “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercises. The focus on AI-enabled defense technology through the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) reflects India’s ambition to modernize its military.

While deepening cooperation with the U.S. bolsters India’s defense infrastructure, concerns regarding dependency on American technology persist. However, with provisions for co-development and co-production, India’s strategic autonomy remains intact, allowing for indigenous defense growth. This partnership is pivotal in countering regional threats, securing supply chains, and maintaining India’s influence in global security.