New Delhi: Indo-US defence ties got a boost in their strengthening when on August 22, 2024, the two nations inked two important agreements aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between the two nations. The Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the assignment of liaison officers marking a new phase in their strategic partnership. These agreements were concluded during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the US, further solidifying defence ties between the two countries.
The SOSA agreement is a crucial step toward closer industrial collaboration, allowing both countries to request priority support for defence-related goods and services. This arrangement is designed to address potential supply chain disruptions, ensuring that India and the US can maintain the necessary industrial resources to meet their national security needs. Although SOSA is not legally binding, it operates on the principle of mutual goodwill and strengthens the defence industrial bases of both nations. India becomes the 18th country to sign SOSA with the US, joining a group that includes close allies such as Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
India and the US have developed several joint defence projects as part of their growing strategic partnership.
The next crucial step in this defence partnership is the signing of the Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement. Unlike SOSA, RDP will be legally binding, requiring both nations to prioritize defence orders from each other’s companies. This agreement is expected to open up more opportunities for large-scale joint production and procurement, further boosting bilateral defence trade. The US has already signed RDP agreements with 28 other countries, facilitating greater interoperability and collaboration in defence procurement.
The US has a major strategic interest in supporting India due to its key geographic position in the Indo-Pacific region. India, as an emerging regional power, plays a crucial role in the US strategy to counter China’s growing influence in this strategically important area. By strengthening ties with India, particularly through defence and security agreements, the US aims to build a partnership capable of promoting maritime security, freedom of navigation, and countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, India’s growing economic importance and vast market make it an essential ally for the US, not only for security reasons but also for economic and technological cooperation in this geopolitically crucial region.
At the same time, India adopts a multipolar approach in its international relations, seeking to balance its ties with various global powers, including the US and Russia. Despite strengthening its ties with Washington, particularly in defence and technology, India also maintains close relations with Russia, a long-standing strategic partner, especially in the military and energy sectors.
Through agreements like SOSA, India seeks to develop its defence industry further. The growth of India’s defence industry has been notable in recent years, supported by government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliance). Among the strengths of this industry are its ability to produce a wide range of military equipment, from missiles to fighter jets, as well as establishing international partnerships with countries like Russia, France, and the US to co-develop advanced technologies.
However, the Indian defence industry still faces several challenges. These include a persistent reliance on imports of critical components, frequent delays in project production and delivery, and a cumbersome bureaucracy that can hinder process efficiency. Despite these obstacles, India continues to strengthen its defence sector, aiming to reduce its dependence on imports and become a major player on the international arms production stage.
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