PM Modi, Trump Discuss Defence Ties: F-35 Jets, Javelin Missiles

Photo: AFP

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump met for a bilateral discussion and committed to strengthening India-US defense relations. This meeting was the first one since Trump’s inauguration, which took place on January 20. During a joint press conference, Trump shared that the US is ready to sell one of its most advanced military assets, the F-35 fighter jets, to India.

Trump also announced that the US would increase military sales to India by billions of dollars starting this year, aiming to boost India’s defense capabilities. In his remarks, PM Modi emphasized that the US plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense readiness.

“We are moving ahead as strategic and trusted partners,” PM Modi said, highlighting their joint efforts in areas such as joint development, co-production, and technology transfer. He added that new technologies and equipment would further enhance India's defense capabilities in the future.

After nearly four hours of discussions at the White House, both leaders revealed plans to sign a new ten-year agreement called the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century. Additionally, they introduced a new initiative called the "US-India COMPACT" (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) to guide their future military and technology cooperation.

The leaders also touched upon the integration of US-made defense equipment into India’s military, including aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and P-8I Poseidon. They also discussed the integration of attack helicopters like the CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches, along with weapons like Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones.

In a significant development, the US government said it would review its policy on providing fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea systems to India, paving the way for future deals.

PM Modi and Trump also agreed to explore the purchase and co-production of advanced military systems such as the Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles in India. They also discussed acquiring six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft.

Both leaders agreed to review their arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to simplify defense trade, technology exchange, and maintenance of US-made defense systems.

In another important step, they announced plans to begin negotiations for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement this year, which would streamline procurement systems between the two countries and enable the reciprocal supply of defense goods and services.

Lastly, PM Modi and President Trump launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), a new initiative to expand industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific region.

This meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening the US-India defense relationship, with both nations looking to boost their military collaboration and technological exchange in the years ahead.

Feb. 14, 2025 {{ Blogdetails.schedule_date|time }} 404

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