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Key Points

Jaishankar met US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, calling defence ties a cornerstone of bilateral relations. The US praised India's integration of American defence systems, including aircraft and missiles. Both nations aim to boost co-production and finalise a new defence partnership framework. This meeting follows high-level engagements, including PM Modi’s US visit earlier this year.

Key Points: Jaishankar Calls India-US Defence Ties Most Consequential at Pentagon

  • Jaishankar highlights defence as key pillar of India-US ties
  • US praises integration of defence systems in Indian military
  • Both sides aim to expand co-production networks
  • New framework for major defence partnership in the works
2 min read

Jaishankar calls India-US defence ties 'most consequential' during Pentagon meet with US Defence Secretary

EAM Jaishankar and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth discuss deepening defence ties, co-production, and strategic partnership at Pentagon meeting.

"Our defence partnership is, today, truly one of the most consequential – S Jaishankar"

Washington DC, July 2

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where he highlighted the strategic importance of India-US defence ties, describing them as "one of the most consequential pillars" of the bilateral relationship.

Speaking during the meeting at the Pentagon, Jaishankar said, "I am here with you at the Pentagon because we believe that our defence partnership is, today, truly one of the most consequential."

The meeting comes on the heels of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting (QFMM) in Washington, marking another key engagement in a series of high-level India-US interactions.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed enthusiasm about the growing defence partnership between the two countries. He highlighted the integration of US defence systems into India's armed forces and outlined the goal of expanding industrial cooperation and co-production networks.

"The US is very pleased for the successful integration of many US defence items... building on this progress, we hope we can complete several major pending US defence sales to India, expand our shared defence industrial cooperation and co-production networks, strengthen interoperability... and formally sign a new framework of US-India major defence partnership," Hegseth said.

He added, "We are eager to work alongside you to realise our shared goals. They are deep and ongoing. The visit today marks an important milestone in the ongoing series of high-level engagements between our two great countries."

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February this year, he and then-US President Donald Trump announced plans to sign a new ten-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership.

Both leaders had also welcomed the significant integration of US-origin defence equipment into India's military inventory. This includes platforms such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apaches, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones.

Additionally, the two sides had announced plans to pursue new procurements and co-production agreements for Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India's defence requirements this year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate stronger ties, we must ensure this doesn't make India dependent on US arms. We should simultaneously boost our own DRDO and private sector defence R&D.
A
Arjun K
The Chinooks and Apaches have already proven their worth during the Ladakh standoff. More such acquisitions will give us an edge against both western and northern threats. Smart move by Jaishankar ji!
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Sarah B
As an American working in Bengaluru, I'm thrilled to see our countries coming closer. The defence partnership will create so many job opportunities in both nations. Win-win!
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Vikram M
Hope the co-production agreements include full technology transfer. We can't just be assembling parts - need to build our own expertise like we did with space tech.
K
Kavya N
The MQ-9B drones will be crucial for maritime surveillance considering China's growing presence in Indian Ocean. Timely decision before the situation escalates further.
D
David E
Interesting to see India balancing relations between US and Russia. The Stryker deal shows New Delhi is serious about diversifying its defence partnerships beyond traditional allies.

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