Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Saturday that he has extended an invitation to leading US defence companies to collaborate with India on co-developing and co-producing advanced defence technologies. This initiative aims to bolster India’s ‘Make in India’ programme and promote self-reliance, or Atmanirbharta, in the defence sector.
In a post on social media platform X, Singh described his engagement with top US defence firms during the Defence Industry Roundtable, organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, as highly productive. The roundtable provided a platform for discussing potential collaborations and advancing the strategic defence partnership between the two nations.
Singh also met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to exchange views on key strategic issues of mutual interest. “Delighted to meet the National Security Advisor of the United States @jakesullivan and share perspectives on key strategic matters of mutual interest,” Singh noted in his post.
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On Friday, Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin signed two significant defence agreements, which Singh described as “pathbreaking.” These agreements, including the Security of Supply Arrangements (SOSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement for the Assignment of Liaison Officers, mark a major advancement in bilateral defence relations.
Arlington National Cemetery
Singh’s visit also included a tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, reflecting the deepening ties and mutual respect between the two countries.
The ongoing collaboration between India and the US follows significant progress made during the fifth annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023. This dialogue underscored Washington’s commitment to supporting India’s military modernization, advancing the US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, and strengthening maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region.
The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) continues to facilitate joint innovation and co-production in advanced defence technologies, further cementing the strategic partnership. Sullivan’s visit to India in June highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance strategic technology and defence cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
As India and the US move forward with these initiatives, the collaboration between their defence industries is set to play a crucial role in achieving mutual goals and strengthening global security.
