In 2025, India was planning to procure various defense items from the United States, including Javelin antitank missiles and Boeing P8I reconnaissance aircraft. However, these plans faced delays due to the imposition of high tariffs by the U.S. on Indian exports, which strained bilateral relations.
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Overview of India’s Defense Imports from the U.S. in 2025
India has been a significant importer of defense equipment from the United States, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and strategic partnerships. However, the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. could have impacted these plans. But despite the challenges, India maintains that discussions for procurement are still active, with no formal pause instructed. India’s defense imports from the U.S. in 2025 are thus marked by both ongoing negotiations and significant challenges due to the recent tariff increases.
In 2025, major U.S. defense imports for India include 31 MQ-9B drones, finalised for approximately $4 billion. India approved the procurement of 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones, built by California-based General Atomics.
India also signed a contract for six Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft and associated support systems for the Indian Navy. These negotiations are at an advanced stage as of August 2025.
Ohio-based General Electric issued a proposal to jointly produce its advanced F414 jet engine in India, expanding strategic technology and defense industrial cooperation.
Discussions on the co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles (General Dynamics Land Systems) and Javelin anti-tank missiles (Raytheon and Lockheed Martin) have been ongoing.
Defense import agreements between India and the U.S. involve increasing defense industrial cooperation through programs like INDUS-X, co-production deals for platforms such as the GE F414 engine, and the sale of major equipment like the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs. Both nations are reviewing their arms transfer regulations to streamline trade, technology exchange, and supply chains, with a future goal of a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to align their systems.
Some key developments in the field of India-U.S. defense trade agreements are as follows:
(a) INDUS-X (Defense Acceleration Ecosystem): Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to boost strategic technology and defense industrial cooperation between the U.S. and India.
(b) Co-Production: India and the U.S. are exploring joint production of advanced military systems, including the GE F414 jet engine and the Stryker combat vehicle.
(c) Major Equipment Procurement: India’s approval for procuring General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones represents a significant import agreement for unmanned aerial vehicles.
(d) Strategic Trade Authorisation (STA-1): As a Major Defense Partner, India benefits from STA-1 authorisation, which streamlines defense trade and technology transfer.
(e) Arms Transfer Regulation Review: Both nations are reviewing their respective arms transfer regulations, including U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to facilitate defense trade, spare parts, and in-country maintenance.
(f) Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) Agreement: The U.S. and India have called for opening negotiations for an RDP agreement to synchronise their procurement systems and allow for the reciprocal supply of defense goods and services.
(g) Technology Cooperation: There is a commitment to accelerate defense technology cooperation in key areas such as space, air defense, missile systems, maritime technology, and undersea systems.
(h) Fifth-Generation Fighters And Undersea Systems: The U.S. is conducting a policy review regarding the potential release of fifth-generation fighters and advanced undersea systems to India.
(i) Alignment With U.S. India 2+2 Format: The bilateral relationship has expanded to include civilian and diplomatic coordination within the 2+2 framework (U.S. Departments of State and Defense with Indian counterparts) to enhance strategic coordination.
(j) Long-Term Trade Goal: The nations aim to significantly increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, which includes defense trade.
India absolutely lacks manufacturing capabilities in critical sectors and defense is one of them. Heavy dependency upon U.S. in defense field exposes the lies and jumlabaazi of Modi govt that it regularly peddles. India is still decades away from Make In India/Made In India and self sufficiency says Praveen Dalal.