INDIA-US DEFENCE RELATIONS

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Context

During the Indian Defense Minister's visit to the USA, an agreement on the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) was signed.

About the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)

• It is a bilateral agreement between India and the U.S. designed to ensure that both countries can quickly access the defence goods and services they need, even during emergencies or supply chain disruptions.

How Does SOSA Work?

• Under SOSA, both India and the U.S. agree to give priority to each other’s defence-related needs. It means that if one country faces a shortage of critical defence supplies, the other country will prioritize their support.
• Both countries will collaborate on supply chain disruptions that may occur unexpectedly. Such a collaborative approach helps to ensure operational efficiency and seamlessly handles any shortfalls that may arise from time to time.
• A Code of Conduct will be established between Government and Industry ensuring that Indian Companies prioritize U.S. defence needs whenever such requirements arise.
  • • In exchange, the U.S. will offer assurances about necessary supplies it controls through its Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) to India.

Why is SOSA Important?

• Strengthening Alliances: By ensuring that both countries help each other with critical supplies, solidifies their strategic partnership and enhances their mutual defence capabilities.
• Reducing Supply Chain Risks:
  • • In today’s complex global landscape, supply chains can be vulnerable to various disruptions, including geopolitical tensions and natural disasters.
    • SOSA helps mitigate these risks by establishing a framework for priority support and collaboration between the two countries.
• Boosting Defense Technology and Trade Initiatives:
  • • This agreement supports the broader U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), which focuses on the co-development and co-production of defence technologies.
    • By developing a closer defence-industrial relationship, SOSA contributes to the success of these initiatives.

India-US Bilateral Relations

• Cold War Era: India and the US had a strained relationship during the Cold War, marked by distrust and differences, particularly over India's nuclear program.
• Post-Cold War: Relations have significantly improved, with growing cooperation in economic, political, and strategic areas.

Challenges

• India maintains a strong commitment to strategic autonomy, balancing its relationships with multiple global powers while deepening ties with the U.S.
  • • This approach can sometimes create friction, particularly when U.S. policies or expectations seem to conflict with India's independent foreign policy decisions.
• India's calculative stance on issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to tensions with the U.S. and other Western nations.
• Despite growing bilateral trade, there are issues related to trade imbalances, market access, and economic policies that can cause friction between the two countries
• The evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with an increasingly assertive China, pose challenges for both India and the U.S. in aligning their strategies.
• Domestic political and economic considerations in both countries can affect the ability to pursue deeper bilateral cooperation.

Way Forward

• India and the U.S. should strengthen communication by utilizing a strategic platform like the 2+2 mechanism to address areas of divergence and seek common ground while respecting India's strategic autonomy.
• Both nations should enhance dialogue mechanisms such as the Trade Policy Forum and Commercial Dialogue to address trade-related issues, work towards resolving market access concerns, and promote a more balanced trade relationship.
• Strengthening trilateral and multilateral frameworks like the Quad and engaging in joint military exercises and strategic dialogues can help both countries address regional security challenges collaboratively.
• Clear agreements and frameworks on intellectual property and technology transfer should be established to facilitate smoother collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
• Both governments should work to align their domestic policies with the goals of their bilateral relationship and address any domestic challenges through cooperative strategies and policy adjustments.

Conclusion

• The India-US relationship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership with significant cooperation across economic, defence, space, and multilateral domains. Addressing challenges and strengthening cooperation can enhance their strategic alliance and influence on the global stage.

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Source:

The Hindu

India In Atlanta

Ministry of External Affairs