The United States President Donald Trump recently had a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was their first interaction since Trump’s return to power. They discussed various topics, including technology, business, investment, energy, and defense. However, the main focus of the conversation was on strengthening defense ties between the two countries.
Trump’s Defense Proposal
President Trump emphasized that India should buy more weapons from the U.S. Currently, India sources most of its defense equipment from Russia. However, in recent years, India has been exploring deals with other nations to reduce its dependency on Russian weapons. The U.S. wants to take advantage of this shift and become a key defense supplier for India.
India’s History with Russian Weapons
India’s defense ties with Russia date back to the 1962 war with China. By the 1990s, nearly 70% of the Indian Army’s weapons, 80% of the Air Force’s, and 85% of the Navy’s equipment were sourced from the Soviet Union. In 2004, India bought its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, from Russia.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates over 400 Russian fighter jets, including both imported and locally manufactured models. Additionally, submarines, tanks, helicopters, frigates, and missiles from Russia are part of India’s military arsenal.
India’s Shift in Defense Strategy
India is gradually reducing its reliance on Russian weapons and diversifying its defense purchases. In recent years, the country has bought equipment from the U.S., Israel, France, and Italy. Experts believe it may take up to 20 years for India to completely end its dependency on Russian supplies.
Defense Deals in Trump’s Previous Term
During Trump’s first term, defense deals between India and the U.S. increased by over $15 billion. Key purchases included MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
India as a Major Defense Partner
In 2016, the U.S. officially designated India as a Major Defense Partner. A report revealed that between 2008 and 2023, India was the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 10% of global arms purchases. About 62% of India’s defense imports come from Russia, followed by France (11%), the U.S. (10%), and Israel (7%). The U.S. has consistently encouraged India to reduce its reliance on Russian weapons.
Key Defense Deals with the U.S.
India has already made several defense purchases from the U.S., including:
- Air Force Equipment: 28 AH-64 Apache helicopters, 245 Stinger missiles, 15 CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters, and more.
- Navy Equipment: 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, 12 P-8I Poseidon surveillance aircraft, and 53 Harpoon missiles.
- Army Equipment: 145 M777 howitzers, 1,45,400 SIG assault rifles, and counter-battery radars.
Future Prospects
Given the momentum during Trump’s first term, experts predict more defense agreements between India and the U.S. in the coming years. If these deals materialize, it could significantly impact Russia’s defense exports.