India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit the United States from August 23 to August 26 to advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. This four-day trip aims to strengthen defence cooperation and explore new strategic initiatives between the two nations.
During his visit, Singh will meet with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Key topics of discussion will include the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, the joint production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and the co-production of GE F414 engines in India.
The Defence Ministry has highlighted the importance of this visit in deepening and expanding the India-US strategic relationship. Recently, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the MQ-9B Predator drone deal with some modifications. The deal, valued at $3.9 billion, includes drones equipped with missiles and guided bombs. The amendments involve a 30% indigenization requirement and a decision to exclude a DRDO-developed missile due to high costs.
Singh's visit will also feature a roundtable meeting with US defence industry leaders to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. Additionally, he will interact with the Indian community in the US.
The trip will further advance the Indian Navy’s collaboration with HawkEye 360, part of the QUAD Indo-Pacific Partnership of Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). This initiative, launched in May 2022, uses satellite surveillance to enhance maritime transparency in the Indo-Pacific region. HawkEye 360 operates about 36 satellites, providing crucial data on illicit activities such as drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
Moreover, Singh will address the progress of the GE-414 engine technology transfer, essential for India’s Tejas Mark II aircraft. However, there has been a delay in delivering GE-404 engines for the Tejas Mark IA, an issue Singh plans to raise during his meetings.
Singh’s visit comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on state visits to Poland and Ukraine, highlighting India's active role in global diplomacy and strategic affairs. The Defence Ministry views Singh’s trip as a crucial step in enhancing India-US defence relations amidst a shifting global strategic landscape.
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