The highly anticipated purchase between the United States and India is set to be revealed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House on Thursday. This marks a significant shift in Washington’s stance towards sharing advanced weaponry and technology with India. Previously, concerns over India’s reliance on Russian military equipment hindered cooperation, but the growing importance of India in countering China and limiting Russian influence has prompted the change.
Despite US pressure, India has remained neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, refusing to condemn Russia’s actions and join international sanctions. For years, the US has been eager to strengthen ties with India, but political and bureaucratic hurdles prevented India from obtaining the advanced weaponry it desired. However, this deal signifies a turning point in their relationship, according to analysts.
In addition to the arms deal, the US and India are discussing ways to enhance their military cooperation, including logistics and intelligence-sharing. They are exploring possibilities for increased joint exercises and more frequent visits by US ships to Indian ports. The Biden administration has also proposed commitments in technology, supply chains, and clean energy, although these have yet to be announced.
During the visit, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi are expected to announce agreements in various sectors, such as artificial intelligence, supply chains, clean energy, and global health. India will join the Artemis Accords, a US-led space exploration initiative, and strengthen cooperation between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization. The US will also work with India to shift critical technology-supply chains away from China. Micron Technology plans to invest over $800 million in a semiconductor facility in India.
A senior administration official emphasized the importance of India as a partner, stating that there is no other partner that is as consequential now and in the future. The official highlighted the unprecedented nature of the deliverables expected from this summit.
Over the past decade, Russia has sold nearly 20 times more weaponry to India than the US has, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. As part of this deal, India is set to purchase upgraded MQ-9B Reaper drones and jointly manufacture General Electric F414 engines for their next generation of jet fighters. The US’s willingness to share such sensitive military technology is seen as a sign of trust between the two countries.
The arms package was finalized during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent visit to India, where he established a roadmap for future defense cooperation with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Russia currently supplies about half of India’s defense needs, including ammunition, fighter jets, tanks, and the S-400 air defense system. While the US has urged India to reduce its reliance on Russian arms, no punitive actions have been taken against India for its purchases. It will likely take years before India significantly reduces its dependence on Russia.
Modi’s visit to the US includes various engagements, such as a yoga session at the UN headquarters, a meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a private dinner with President Biden, and the delivery of joint statements and a state dinner at the White House. However, the visit has also garnered criticism due to human rights concerns. Some lawmakers have announced plans to boycott Modi’s address to Congress. The Biden administration has pledged to address human rights and democracy issues with Indian counterparts but believes that publicly lecturing Modi would be counterproductive. The administration respects India’s sovereignty in determining the future of its democratic institutions.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
