2 New US-India Agreements Signed

India and the US have recently signed two crucial defense agreements:

1. Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)
2. Memorandum of Agreement regarding Assignment of Liaison Officers

During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s four-day official visit that concluded on Sunday (August 25), the partner nations agreed to advance priority co-production projects including jet engines, unmanned platforms, munitions, and ground mobility systems under the 2023 US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation.

Key Defence Agreements Signed Between India and the US

1. Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) Overview: SOSA is designed to ensure the resilience of the defense supply chain during emergencies and crises. It allows for prioritization of defense-related goods and services between the US and India. Details: India becomes the 18th partner under SOSA, joining a list that includes Australia, Canada, and the UK. The agreement facilitates expedited deliveries and ensures that both countries' defense contractors can request prioritized supplies from each other. Although not legally binding, SOSA operates on the basis of mutual goodwill. The US Department of Defense and Department of Commerce manage assurances through the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). Indian companies are encouraged to prioritize US orders, while the US provides assurances to expedite supplies during crises. 2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Liaison Officers Overview: This MoU aims to improve defense cooperation by enhancing information-sharing between the two nations. Details: India will deploy a liaison officer to the US Special Operations Command in Florida, facilitating direct communication and coordination. This agreement builds on earlier commitments, such as the 2013 Joint Declaration on Defence Cooperation and the 2015 Framework for US-India Defence Relations, reinforcing the commitment to deepen bilateral defense ties. 3. Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement (Under Discussion) Overview: The RDP Agreement is intended to streamline and enhance defense procurement processes and promote interoperability between defense equipment of the US and its allies. Details: The agreement would allow US companies to bypass certain procurement restrictions and establish manufacturing bases in India, aligning with India's “Make in India” initiative. The RDP Agreement would also facilitate joint production and technology transfer, complementing existing agreements like SOSA by adding a legally binding framework. SOSA vs. RDP SOSA: Focuses on ensuring the defense supply chain's continuity during emergencies, operating on mutual goodwill rather than legal mandates. RDP: Aims to create a legally binding framework that prioritizes defense orders and fosters joint production and technological collaboration.

Developments in India-US Defence Cooperation

1. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) (2002)

   1. Facilitates the sharing of sensitive military information between India and the US, marking the beginning of formal defense cooperation.

2. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) (2016)

   1. Provides a framework for reciprocal logistical support and allows each country’s military forces to use each other’s bases for refueling, repairs, and other logistical support.

3. Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) (2018)

   1. Enhances secure military communications and facilitates access to advanced defense technologies. Ensures interoperability of communication systems.

4. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) (2020)

   1. Enables the sharing of geospatial data, which is crucial for precise military operations and intelligence gathering.

5. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

   1. A strategic forum involving the defense and foreign ministers of both countries, facilitating high-level discussions on defense and strategic issues.

6. Strategic Trade Authorization Tier-1 Status (2018)

   1. Allows India to access advanced US defense technologies and streamlines the export of high-tech military equipment to India.

7. Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) (2012)

   1. Aims to facilitate defense trade and promote co-production and co-development of defense technologies, marking a shift from a buyer-seller relationship to a partnership model.

8. Military Procurement

   1. India has procured advanced defense equipment from the US, including MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, Sig Sauer rifles, and M777 howitzers. Ongoing negotiations involve manufacturing GE F-414 jet engines in India and procuring MQ-9B High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs.

9. INDUS-X (June 2023)

   1. The India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) aims to foster innovation and industrial cooperation in the defense sector.

10. I2U2 Grouping

    1. Comprises India, Israel, the US, and the UAE, focusing on joint investments and initiatives in areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.

Evolution of India-US Relations Cold War Period: India’s non-alignment and alignment with the Soviet Union contrasted with US-ally Pakistan. Relations began improving in the 1990s with India's economic liberalization. Nuclear Agreement (2008): The US recognized India as a responsible nuclear power, ending its nuclear isolation and enhancing cooperation in defense and high-tech sectors. Economic Synergy: Bilateral trade reached USD 118.28 billion in 2023-24. The partnership extends to clean energy, digital economy, and healthcare, with initiatives like the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership. Technology Cooperation: Collaborative efforts in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and 5G. Initiatives include the US-India AI Initiative and iCET. Geopolitical Alignment: The rise of China has led to a closer strategic partnership, reflected in the Quad and the US Indo-Pacific strategy, promoting a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

Challenges to India-US Relations:

1. Human Rights and Democratic Values

   1. Concerns over the treatment of minorities in India, such as the implications of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, have affected relations.

2. Strategic Competition with China

   1. Divergent approaches towards China, with occasional conflicts between India’s economic ties with China and US interests.

3. Trade and Economic Disputes

   1. Issues related to trade disputes, protectionist measures, and intellectual property rights complicate efforts for comprehensive trade agreements.
4. Geopolitical Alignment
   1. Balancing relations with both the US and Russia poses challenges, particularly as the US expects stronger condemnation of Russia from India in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War.

Way Forward:

1. Address Diplomatic Concerns

   1. Resolve issues related to democratic values and strategic cooperation, focusing on initiatives like iCET to strengthen ties.
2. India’s Role as a Global Bridge
   1. Utilize India’s leadership in forums like the G20 and SCO to bridge gaps between the West and developing nations.
3. Enhance Counterterrorism Cooperation
   1. Strengthen counterterrorism efforts, particularly in managing the situation in Afghanistan and pressuring Pakistan to curb support for terrorism.
4. Focus on Emerging Technologies and AI
   1. Increase collaboration on emerging technologies, emphasizing data regulation, information sharing, and privacy concerns.
5. Advance Multilateral Coordination
   1. Prioritize coordination in forums such as the Quad and I2U2 to address global strategic issues and challenges.
6. Boost Economic Engagement
   1. Enhance trade, investment, and technological cooperation to drive economic growth and ensure market access, supported by initiatives like iCET.

Conclusion

The recent India-US defense agreements, including SOSA and the MoU on Liaison Officers, mark a significant step in deepening bilateral defense ties. These agreements, along with ongoing and future initiatives, underscore a commitment to enhanced cooperation and strategic alignment. While challenges persist, particularly in human rights and geopolitical balancing, both nations are poised to advance their partnership through increased economic, technological, and defense collaboration. This evolving relationship holds promise for a more integrated and resilient defense partnership in the face of global challenges.