Unprecedented Progress in the India-US Defense Partnership, Asserts Pentagon Official

The US-India defense relationship is experiencing a remarkable surge in momentum, according to a senior Pentagon official speaking at a Congressional hearing focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Anticipation is high for the upcoming 2+2 dialogue slated for early April, where top officials from both nations will convene in Washington.

The last 2+2 dialogue occurred in New Delhi back in 2020, and this forthcoming meeting represents the US's turn to host. These ministerial dialogues bring together foreign and defense ministers from both sides, fostering crucial discussions and collaborations.

Highlighting the progress made, an official-level bilateral 2+2 Inter-sessional meeting took place in Washington DC on September 1, 2021. This session allowed for a comprehensive review of advancements since the previous Ministerial Dialogue held in October 2020.

Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, emphasized the extraordinary momentum in the US-India defense ties during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. While acknowledging challenges, Ratner expressed confidence in managing them, asserting a rapid deepening of the partnership.

The upcoming high-level engagement in early April will see Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, along with their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, convene for the 2+2 dialogue. Ratner underscored the unprecedented nature of the agenda items, which signify a significant evolution in bilateral relations.

Ratner also noted accelerated progress in the Major Defense Partnership with India, emphasizing efforts to enhance defense cooperation, logistics, information sharing, and collaboration in emerging domains like space and cyberspace.

Since being designated as a "Major Defense Partner" in 2016, India has enjoyed privileges akin to those of the US's closest allies, facilitating the acquisition of advanced defense technologies.

Moreover, Ratner highlighted the expansion of military cooperation's geographic scope, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. This expansion aims to bolster coordination and cooperation in maritime security, reflecting shared goals and interests in the region.

In a separate statement, Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, praised India as a strong and capable partner aligned with the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. He highlighted ongoing collaborations and emphasized joint efforts to enhance interoperability through exercises like SEA DRAGON, TIGER TRIUMPH, and MALABAR.

Over the past decade, India has significantly increased its acquisition of US defense equipment, including platforms like MH-60Rs, P-8s, C-130Js, C-17s, AH-64s, CH-47s, and M777 howitzers. Aquilino hinted at potential future acquisitions, including F-21s, F/A-18s, additional P-8s, and UAVs, underscoring the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.