Forging stronger Ties: US-India Defence and Technology Collaborations
Earlier this month, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell visited India alongside National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
The defence relationship between the United States and India is witnessing significant advancements. Key deals for MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and GE-414 jet engines are moving forward, reflecting a deepening of industrial collaborations under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) framework.
Progress on Major Defence Deals
India has shown strong interest in co-producing the Stryker infantry vehicles and has entered into early talks with the U.S. regarding the Stryker and Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). Responding to media queries in a virtual interaction with a select group of journalists from Washington DC, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M Campbell noted that discussions on these projects are progressing, although they are still in their initial stages.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, was on a visit to India earlier this month along with their National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
During the interaction said that the military ties between Indian and Russia was also discussed in New Delhi. He said “concerns’’ have been expressed on some areas related to military technology sharing.
MQ-9B Predator Drones
The MQ-9B deal, in particular, is making headway, he said. Adding that a letter of offer and acceptance for the MQ-9B was delivered to India in early March. General Atomics is currently negotiating the sale’s specifics with the Indian Ministry of Defence. The US is ready to assist in resolving any remaining issues to finalize the deal.
India’s interest in co-producing the Stryker vehicles marks a significant step towards deeper military collaboration, with plans for the US Army to demonstrate the Stryker’s capabilities to the Indian army soon.
Also ReadIndia Space Congress 2024: A Surge in Women’s Participation and Global Collaborations
Expanding Defence Cooperation
Beyond these major deals, there are ongoing discussions about co-producing the Javelin and Stryker systems. While these discussions are in their infancy, they highlight the broad range of technological areas in which the US and India are exploring collaboration. This includes research and development (R&D) efforts aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing defence capabilities, he stated in response to another question.
Indian Ocean & India-US
According to the US deputy secretary of state, both countries are also planning ambitious deliberations concerning the Indian Ocean. This initiative will involve key stakeholders from the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council, the State Department, the Defence Department, and their respective naval departments, he added.
These discussions underscore the Indian Ocean’s strategic importance as a venue for deepening US-India cooperation and dialogue.
Advancements in Space and Technology Partnerships
Space exploration is another area where US-India collaboration is reaching new heights. The first-ever joint mission between NASA and ISRO astronauts to the International Space Station marks a significant milestone in their space partnership. This mission is expected to pave the way for further joint efforts in space exploration.
Additionally, a new partnership between the United States Space Force and Indian startups 114AI and 3rd ITECH aims to advance space situational awareness, data fusion technologies, and infrared sensor semiconductor manufacturing. These collaborations highlight the mutual interest in leveraging technological advancements for strategic purposes.
Also ReadISRO Chairman Addresses Challenges and Growth Prospects in India’s Space Sector at ISC 2024
Semiconductor and AI Collaborations
He said that the launch of a strategic semiconductor partnership between General Atomics and 3rd ITECH to co-develop semiconductor design and manufacturing for precision-guided ammunition and other national security-focused electronics platforms is another significant development. This partnership reflects a concerted effort to enhance national security through advanced technology.
Furthermore, the expansion of defence industrial partnerships includes the development of an AI multi-domain situational awareness product by General Atomics and 114AI. This product is designed to support joint all-domain command and control, underscoring the role of artificial intelligence in modern defence strategies.