The potential joint production of GE (GE) Aerospace’s F414 engines in India by GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, along with the purchase of 31 Predator-MQ-9B armed, high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles, strengthen the defence ties between the two nations. These engines would power India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft MK2 and the twin-engine Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft MK1. Recently, there has been an increase in the level of military collaboration between the two countries.

The C-130 and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, the CH-47 Chinook and MH-60R multi-role helicopters, the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and the M777 super light howitzers are among the American military equipment that India has purchased. The F-16 and F/A-18 fighter jets from the United States have been intensively marketed to the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. An earlier engine development project under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative was tried and abandoned by India and the U.S. years ago. Now, however, the new jet engine agreement is an investment in one another to handle the same security issues while still navigating the differences.

They are most concerned about China’s encroachment in the Indo-Pacific region. In the long run, the United States also hopes to wean India away from its defence alliance with Russia. From a technological standpoint, the recently announced cooperative projects in the manufacture of jet engines, semiconductors, and space technology give an opportunity for India to create its own defence sector and enhance its general technological proficiency. The four fundamental accords have already been ratified by India and the U.S. They also frequently engage in military drills together.

While India’s relationship with the United States is becoming stronger, deeper, and more extensive, it is also aware of the need to preserve its strategic independence. India is not happy with the current U.S. strategy, which is centred on establishing a new bipolarity in the world. The good news is that the U.S. is becoming more conscious of India’s worry about getting entangled in other countries’ power struggles. India’s aim to safeguard its borders and national sovereignty is consistent with U.S. objectives. The two nations are entering a new age of mutual trust, which should contribute to regional stability.