- Friday, February 28, 2025
India’s former deputy national security Advisor Pankaj Saran described it as a “new era” in India-US relations, emphasising the focus on defense and technology.
By: Shubham Ghosh
EXPERTS have hailed the defence deals signed between India and the US during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US as not only enhancing India’s defence capabilities but also highlighting the growing proximity between the two countries. The agreements include a $3-billion deal for 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, with the Navy set to receive 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will receive eight SkyGuardian drones each.
A significant development came in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. India’s former deputy national security Advisor Pankaj Saran described it as a “new era” in India-US relations, emphasising the focus on defense and technology and the ambitious nature of the partnership.
“This marks a new era in relationships. The key takeaway is the focus on two sectors – defence and technology. The third element is the boldness of ambition shown by both sides,” he told PTI.
“In the past also we have had summits, but in this particular summit there is a very conscious decision for both sides to significantly increase their ties in strategic areas,” he said.
Former vice chief of Indian Air Force Air Marshal Ravi Kant Sharma expressed his optimism about the MoU, saying it would propel India towards self-reliance in jet engine technology, although challenges remain. Regarding the UAV deal, Sharma highlighted the advantages of the unmanned aerial vehicles, such as their long duration of sustained flight, high altitude capabilities, and encrypted communication, which would greatly enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Former Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma underscored the importance of the drones in monitoring India’s maritime boundaries, particularly in light of increased Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean.
He praised the MQ9B drones, noting that they have revolutionised surveillance and data collection, enabling a comprehensive maritime domain awareness picture.
“These drones are an asset which has not been shared anywhere in the world, India is probably the first country to get the MQ9B, they had earlier given us two MQ9 Reapers on ‘Company Owned, Company Operated’ model,” the retired navy spokesperson told PTI.
The defence deals were not the only significant outcomes of Modi’s visit.
Computer storage chip maker Micron announced plans to establish a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat, while the two countries agreed to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024. India’s decision to join the Artemis Accords, a collaboration in civil space exploration, and the agreement between the US’s NASA and India’s ISRO for a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024 further exemplify the deepening cooperation in space exploration.
Overall, the defense deals and other collaborations demonstrate the strengthening ties between India and the US, with a focus on defense, technology, and space exploration. These developments have been lauded by experts as they bolster India’s defense capabilities, promote self-reliance, and enhance bilateral cooperation in various strategic sectors.
(With agency inputs)
