Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House for significant discussions covering defense, trade, technology, and energy. President Trump greeted PM Modi warmly with a hug before they commenced talks. This meeting, following PM Modi's stop in France, took place shortly after President Trump revealed a new reciprocal tariff policy affecting all US trading partners, including India.
During their meeting, PM Modi and President Trump announced the COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce) initiative.
Key Announcements from the Modi-Trump Meeting on Defense Collaboration
During the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, several pivotal advancements in defense cooperation between India and the United States were announced. A comprehensive ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership will be established by the end of the year. This significant development includes plans for the expansion of US platforms within Indian defense services, highlighted by new procurement deals for Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stryker armored fighting vehicles, and six additional P8I maritime surveillance aircraft.
A notable restructuring of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is underway, aimed at streamlining technology transfers and spare parts logistics. Additionally, negotiations are set to begin on a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement, which is anticipated to facilitate more seamless mutual defense trade.
The dialogue extended to accelerating collaboration on defense technologies across various domains, including space, air defense, missile technology, and both maritime and undersea warfare. The US has conveyed its intention to review policies regarding the release of fifth-generation fighter jets and advanced undersea warfare systems to India.
In a groundbreaking move, India and the US have initiated the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) to enhance industry partnerships in underwater domain awareness (UDA) technologies. India stands as the first nation to engage with the US in co-developing sensitive UDA technologies.
Further discussions are progressing on joint efforts for the development and production of cutting-edge systems, such as the Sea Picket Autonomous Surveillance Systems (Thayer Mahan) and Wave Glider Unmanned Surface Vehicles (Boeing). This deepened partnership underscores a mutual commitment to fostering innovation and strategic collaboration in defense between the two nations.