India-US Strengthen Defense Ties: F-35 Fighter Jets, New Initiatives Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump met on Thursday to strengthen India-US defense ties.

This was their first meeting since Trump’s inauguration. Trump said the US is ready to sell F-35 fighter jets to India and increase military sales by billions of dollars.

Modi stressed the importance of the US in India's defense preparedness. The two leaders discussed joint development, production, and technology transfer to improve India's defense capabilities.

They agreed to sign a ten-year defense partnership framework. They also launched a new initiative called the "US-India COMPACT." This aims to boost military partnerships, commerce, and technology.

The leaders reviewed India's defense inventory, which includes US-made items like the C-130J Super Hercules and P-8I Poseidon. They also discussed plans to buy Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles. Additionally, six more P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft are on the table.

India and the US will simplify defense trade rules and start talks on a Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreement. They also created the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance to strengthen industry partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Modi and Trump highlighted their growing partnership, calling it a "MEGA" partnership for prosperity.