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India-US Defence Tech Talks Advance Critical Cooperation in New Delhi

India and the United States convened the 24th plenary of their Joint Technical Group at DRDO headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting, co-chaired by senior officials from both nations, aimed to advance the Major Defence Partnership framework established by their defence ministers. Delegations reviewed current cooperation, addressed challenges, and explored new collaboration in critical technologies. The discussions also emphasized involving research centres and industries, culminating in the signing of a new project agreement.

Key Points: India-US Joint Technical Group Plenary on Defence Tech

  • 24th plenary meeting held in New Delhi
  • Co-chaired by senior DRDO and US officials
  • Reviewed ongoing defence S&T cooperation
  • Focused on industry and university R&D participation
  • Concluded with a signed project agreement
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India-US hold 24th joint technical group plenary to advance cooperation in defence sciences, technology

India and the US held the 24th Joint Technical Group plenary in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging defence technologies.

"to further strengthen collaboration in critical & emerging defence technologies - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, February 5

India and the United States held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary held at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi to advance cooperation in Defence Science & Technologies, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

According to the press release, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting in New Delhi on February 3-4. The meeting was co-chaired by Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO Dr Chandrika Kaushik and Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering Mr Michael Francis Dodd.

As per the statement, the plenary was conducted in line with the vision and policy guidance of the framework for India-US Major Defence Partnership signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in October 2025. The delegations reviewed the ongoing cooperation in defence science & technology, discussed associated challenges, and examined proposals to further strengthen collaboration in critical & emerging defence technologies to meet the evolving requirements.

The statement further noted that the discussions also focused on enhancing the participation of university-affiliated research centres, defence laboratories, and industries in cooperative research & development initiatives. Additionally, the meeting explored potential collaboration between the DRDO, and the Defence Innovation Unit under the Innovation Bridge framework & concluded with the signing of a project agreement.

The meeting involved participation of senior officials, scientists, and technocrats representing institutions and laboratories under the US Department of War and the Department of State, along with DRDO scientists and officials from India's Tri-Services, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and the National Security Council Secretariat, the statement added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone working in tech policy, I'm glad to see the focus on involving universities and industries. True innovation happens at that intersection. Hope this leads to more joint PhD programs and startup incubators focused on dual-use technologies.
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Rohit P
Good move, but we must be cautious. The US has a history of placing restrictions and controlling tech transfer. Any agreement must ensure true co-development and sharing, not just India being a market or a junior partner. Atmanirbharta should remain the core goal.
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Priya S
Finally! Our soldiers deserve the best equipment. If collaborating with the US helps us get better bulletproof jackets, night vision devices, and communication systems faster, I'm all for it. Hope the benefits reach our jawans on the ground soon. 🙏
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Michael C
The "Innovation Bridge" framework sounds promising. Fostering direct links between DRDO labs and the US Defence Innovation Unit could accelerate prototyping. The key will be streamlining bureaucratic processes on both sides to actually get projects off the ground.
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Kavya N
While the intent is good, I hope there is transparency. The "project agreement" that was signed—what does it entail? The public has a right to know the broad contours of such strategic partnerships, especially concerning taxpayer money and national security.
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