Washington — The latest US defence bill approved by US Congress contains multiple provisions aimed at deepening military, technology, and strategic cooperation with India, underscoring Washington’s growing reliance on New Delhi as a key partner in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
India-focused clauses in the legislation reinforce cooperation across defence trade, advanced technology, joint military planning, and supply-chain security, while also calling for expanded coordination on maritime security and regional stability.
Boost to US-India Defence Partnership
Under the bill, the US Department of Defense is directed to expand security cooperation with India, particularly in areas linked to deterrence against China. The legislation highlights India’s role as a “major defence partner”, a designation that allows closer alignment of military standards, interoperability, and technology sharing with US forces.
Lawmakers emphasized that stronger defence ties with India are essential for maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific, where Beijing’s military modernization and assertive posture continue to raise concerns in Washington.
Advanced Technology and Supply Chains
A key element of the India-related provisions focuses on cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including defence manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and space-related capabilities. The bill encourages US agencies to work with Indian counterparts to reduce dependence on China-linked supply chains, particularly for sensitive defence and dual-use technologies.
Congressional language also supports joint research, co-development, and co-production initiatives that would allow India to integrate more deeply into US-led defence industrial networks.
Maritime Security and the Indo-Pacific
The legislation places special emphasis on maritime security cooperation, reflecting shared concerns over China’s growing naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and surrounding sea lanes. US lawmakers called for enhanced information sharing, joint exercises, and operational coordination with India to protect freedom of navigation and regional trade routes.
India’s role within broader regional frameworks, including coordination with US allies and partners, is framed as central to Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Strategic Context
The India-specific clauses come as the US seeks to recalibrate its global posture amid competition with China. By strengthening defence ties with India, Washington aims to reinforce a network of regional partners rather than rely solely on forward-deployed US forces.
Analysts note that the bill reflects bipartisan consensus in Congress that India is no longer viewed simply as a regional power, but as a pivotal strategic actor in shaping Asia’s security environment.
What Comes Next
The Department of Defense is expected to submit follow-up reports to Congress on progress in US-India defence cooperation, including technology transfers, industrial collaboration, and operational interoperability.
The provisions signal that US-India ties will remain a central pillar of American defence policy in the coming years, particularly as strategic competition with China intensifies.
Source
US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), S.2296
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
