Two New US-India Agreements: A Short History of Growing Defence Ties (GS Paper 2, IR)
Introduction
- The recent signing of two significant agreements between the United States and India—the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Assignment of Liaison Officers—marks a notable advancement in the bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
- These agreements build upon a decade-long trajectory of growing military collaboration and strategic partnership, underscoring the deepening ties between the two democracies.
Two New Agreements
Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)
- Objective: The SOSA agreement establishes a framework for reciprocal priority support between the US and India for goods and services essential to national defence. This means that both countries will provide expedited and prioritized support to each other’s defence needs, enhancing logistical efficiency and operational readiness.
- Significance: India becomes the 18th partner of the US under the SOSA framework. This move signifies a deepening of defence ties and a commitment to mutual support in securing national interests. By participating in SOSA, India aligns itself with a broader network of US allies, enhancing its strategic leverage and access to critical defence resources.
Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers
- Objective: This MoA facilitates increased information-sharing and collaboration between India and the US by allowing Indian armed forces officers to be posted in key US strategic commands. It builds on previous agreements aimed at improving operational coordination and intelligence sharing.
- Significance: This agreement enhances the strategic partnership by embedding Indian personnel in critical US military commands, promoting real-time communication, and strengthening joint operational capabilities. It reflects a commitment to deeper integration and collaboration in defence planning and execution.
Cooperation Milestones
2013: Joint US-India Declaration on Defence Cooperation
- This declaration marked the beginning of a formalized strategic partnership, focusing on enhancing defence collaboration and addressing shared security challenges.
2015: Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship
- The framework provided a comprehensive structure for bilateral defence cooperation, outlining key areas of collaboration and strategic goals.
2023 Roadmap
- This roadmap envisioned the completion of SOSA and the RDP (Reciprocal Defence Procurement) Agreement.
- It outlined priority areas for cooperation, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Undersea Domain Awareness, Air Combat and Support, and various other advanced defence technologies.
iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies)
- Launched in January 2023, iCET aims to expand strategic technology partnerships and enhance defence industrial cooperation between the US and India.
INDUS-X (India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem)
- This initiative seeks to build a defence innovation bridge under iCET, promoting collaboration on advanced defence technologies and accelerating joint research and development efforts.
Foundational Agreements
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) - 2002
- Facilitated the exchange of military information, laying the groundwork for deeper defence cooperation.
Industrial Security Annex (ISA) - 2019
- Supplemented GSOMIA to enhance the exchange of classified information between the defence industries of both countries.
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) - 2016
- Established procedures for reciprocal provision of logistical support, supplies, and services between the US and Indian militaries.
Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) - 2018
- Enabled secure military communication and facilitated the optimal use of US-origin platforms by India.
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) - 2020
- Promoted the sharing of military information, including maps and imagery, to support joint operational planning and execution.
Other Military Deals and Sales
Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) - 2012
- Promoted industrial cooperation and defence trade between the US and India.
Major Defence Partner Status - 2016
- Designated India as a Major Defence Partner, enhancing access to advanced defence technologies and cooperation.
Strategic Trade Authorisation Tier 1 - 2018
- Elevated India to Tier 1 status, granting licence-free access to a range of military and dual-use technologies.
Memorandum of Intent with Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) - 2023
- Promoted collaboration between US and Indian defence innovation organizations.
Military Hardware and Weapon Procurements
- Acquisition of MH-60R Seahawk multirole helicopters, Sig Sauer rifles, and M777 ultra-light howitzers.
Way Forward
- During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit, the US and India agreed to advance co-production projects in key areas, including jet engines, unmanned platforms, munitions, and ground mobility systems.
- These initiatives align with the 2023 US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation and reflect a continued commitment to enhancing strategic and operational capabilities.
Conclusion
- The recent agreements between the US and India—SOSA and the MoA on Liaison Officers—represent significant milestones in the growing defence partnership between the two nations.
- They build on a foundation of previous agreements and collaborations that have progressively strengthened bilateral military ties.
- As both countries continue to deepen their strategic relationship, these agreements not only enhance operational coordination but also lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts in defence and security.
- The expanding defence cooperation reflects a shared commitment to addressing regional and global security challenges through enhanced collaboration and technological innovation.
