US-India defense ties strengthen amid Indo-Pacific tensions

As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, the partnership between the United States and India is growing stronger. A top US commander emphasized the importance of this alliance on Sunday, highlighting shared commitments to regional security and stability amid China's increasing influence in the area.

General Kevin Schneider, commander of US Pacific Air Forces, is leading a delegation at the five-day Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru, where the US is showcasing its latest defense aircraft and technology. The event, which starts on Monday, brings together top defense companies, government officials, and military leaders from around the world.

US Showcases Advanced Defense Technology at Aero India 2025

The US is using the Aero India platform to demonstrate its defense capabilities and strengthen military collaboration with India. More than 25 American exhibitors will engage with Indian counterparts, showcasing advancements in unmanned aerial systems, fighter aircraft, avionics, and defense electronics.

“Aero India 2025 is a great opportunity to enhance interoperability between the US and other nations,” said Schneider. The US aims to bolster strategic ties with India by promoting trade, technology integration, and joint military exercises.

Global Participation and Key Highlights

This year’s Aero India event at Yelahanka Airbase is set to host over 900 exhibitors, including 54 international defense manufacturers and 52 domestic companies. Representatives from 78 countries will attend, making it Asia’s biggest airshow. One of the major attractions will be aerial displays featuring the Russian Su-57 and the US F-35 stealth fighters.

Sanjeev Kumar, India’s defense production secretary, emphasized the significance of these collaborations, noting that the event provides a platform for defense companies to explore joint ventures and investments.

Strengthening Defense Partnerships

The US delegation at the event is being led by Jorgan Andrews, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in India, along with officials from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce. Andrews highlighted the growing defense trade and cooperation between India and the US, reinforcing shared goals of regional security and economic prosperity.

Last week, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing on deepening bilateral defense cooperation. They discussed key areas such as joint military exercises, technology integration, and strengthening defense supply chains.

Expanding Defense Industrial Cooperation

India and the US have made significant progress under the Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, adopted in 2023. This initiative aims to accelerate technology sharing and co-production in critical areas such as air combat systems, surveillance, munitions, and naval defense.

A major milestone in US-India defense collaboration came in October 2024 when India signed a $3.5 billion deal to purchase 31 MQ-9B drones from the US. This acquisition, aimed at boosting India’s defense preparedness against regional threats, was the result of an eight-year negotiation process and US congressional approval.

Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is in talks with US-based GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Washington in June 2023 to manufacture 99 F414 engines for India’s future Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-2 program.

Looking Ahead

The deepening ties between India and the US in defense and technology underscore their commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. With ongoing collaborations in defense production, intelligence sharing, and military exercises, the two nations are set to further strengthen their strategic partnership in the coming years.