Donald Trump has made many big announcements after taking oath as the 47th President of America. After this, there is a heated discussion around the world about how Trump’s rule will affect other countries. In such a situation, it is important to know how Trump 2.0 will affect US-India defense relations. In fact, during his first term, Trump had emphasized a mercantilist foreign policy that prioritized US defense exports and strengthened bilateral military cooperation with key partners like India. But his second term may bring many opportunities and challenges for this important partnership.
Major progress in India-US defense cooperation
Recent years have seen unprecedented growth in defense cooperation between India and America. Both the countries have signed several important agreements to promote military coordination, security of supply chains and technology partnership. Some of the major agreements are:
Security Supply Arrangement (SOSA): This is a non-binding agreement, under which both the countries will provide mutual priority support for goods and services promoting national defence. This agreement will strengthen the supply chain of critical defense equipment in times of crisis.
Agreement (MoA) for Liaison Officer Appointment: Under this agreement, liaison officers will be exchanged to strengthen coordination between the armed forces of the two countries.
During Trump’s first term, some major agreements were signed between India and America, which include Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) and Industrial Security Annex (ISA). These agreements promoted military cooperation, intelligence sharing and defense technology cooperation.
Major defense agreements and recent achievements
In 2024, India and the US signed a historic deal worth $3.5 billion for 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones. This acquisition not only strengthens India’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Identification (ISR) capability, but also provides for significant technology transfer, which will boost India’s defense manufacturing sector.
Another important agreement is about co-production of General Electric F414 engines for India’s light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas. However, delivery of these engines has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and India may press for early supply of these engines from the US side under SOSA.
In view of the decision on India’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, the US may propose to induct F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-21 jets, making the deal further strengthening India-US defense ties. Can do.
Potential opportunities under Trump 2.0
Under Trump, the emphasis on promoting defense exports and strengthening the Indo-Pacific strategy could lead to increased India-US cooperation.
Acceleration in defense purchases: Trump’s push for bilateral deals could lead to rapid progress in this area, which could include additional drones, missile defense systems and naval platforms.
Strict stance against China: Trump’s tough stance towards China and emphasis on the Quad structure can boost security and defense cooperation.
New Technologies: Trump’s trade approach could spur competing proposals for advanced technologies such as AI-based unpiloted systems, cyber defense and space-based capabilities.
Also read: ‘Trump started with 20 false claims on the first day’, what was published in the American media on the swearing-in
What harm can be caused by Trump’s policies?
However, despite these opportunities, some challenges also remain:
1. Business Approach: Trump’s focus on trade deficit could put pressure on India to increase imports of US defense equipment, which could impact India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign.
2. CAATSA Restrictions: During Trump’s first term, sanctions were imposed on countries purchasing defense systems from Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Sanctions regarding India’s purchase of S-400 missile system from Russia may become a complex problem in future.
During Trump’s first term, unilateral decisions, such as his sudden withdrawal from multilateral agreements, had created uncertainties for global partners. India will have to deal with possible inconsistencies in US policies under Trump 2.0.
Also read: ‘Kim Jong’s condition…’, Trump asked such a question to his soldiers as soon as he took oath
Joint military exercises and operational cooperation
Joint military exercises remain an important part of India-US defense cooperation. Key exercises include:
, Malabar Exercise: Quad-led naval exercise organized by India, US, Japan and Australia.
– Yudh Abhyas: A joint military exercise, which promotes strategic coordination and operational readiness.
-Tiger Triumph: Tri-service exercise to showcase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
– Cope India: An advanced air force exercise, which emphasizes air combat and tactical coordination.
These exercises highlight shared priorities in regional stability and military cooperation.
Defense achievements in Trump’s first term
During Trump’s first term, India-US defense deals increased by more than $15 billion. This included…
MH-60R Seahawk helicopter (24): The $2.6 billion deal strengthened India’s anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities.
– AH-64E Apache attack helicopters (6): $930 million deal, which enhances India’s rotary-wing strike capability.
– P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Another important deal to boost maritime domain awareness.
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