The leaders welcomed the significant integration of U.S.-origin defence items into India’s inventory, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft; CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers; and MQ-9Bs. They announced plans to pursue new procurements and co-production arrangements for “Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defence requirements. Additionally, they expect to complete the procurement of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance reach in the Indian Ocean Region.
Recognising India’s status as a Major Defense Partner with Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) authorisation, both nations will review their respective arms transfer regulations to streamline defence trade, technology exchange, and maintenance processes. The leaders also called for opening negotiations this year for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to better align their procurement systems and enable the reciprocal supply of defence goods and services.Building on the US-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation and recognising the rising importance of autonomous systems, the leaders announced a new initiative—the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA)—to scale industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific. They welcomed a new partnership between Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group on advanced autonomous technologies to co-develop and co-produce state-of-the-art maritime systems and advanced AI-enabled counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Additionally, L3Harris Technologies and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have agreed to jointly develop active towed array systems, a critical technology for naval defence.
A notable aspect of the defence cooperation declaration signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is India’s plan to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the United States. The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced and versatile fighter jets in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States and its allies.
In a statement, Lockheed Martin said, “We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements, including the fighters, Javelin and helicopters that will further empower the Indian Armed Forces with 21st-century security solutions and deterrence capabilities to address their pressing needs.”
While President Donald Trump announced that the United States would provide F-35 fighter jets to India, the joint declaration issued after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not mention this deal.
Also Read: Modi Trump meeting: Read the full India-US joint statement here
