US Pushes India to Speed Up Pending Defence Deals in Talks with Jaishankar

In a recent meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urged India to fast-track long-pending defence purchase agreements. The discussion highlighted both nations’ interest in strengthening strategic ties, but also pointed to delays in the execution of key defence deals that are vital to their growing military partnership.

Pending Deals Under Focus
Several major defence agreements between India and the US—ranging from fighter jet engines to advanced drones—have been under negotiation or awaiting final approvals. While both countries have committed to deeper cooperation under initiatives like the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), the pace of deal closures has remained slower than expected.

Austin’s visit and message to New Delhi signals Washington’s eagerness to see quicker progress, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s Strategic Calculations
India has taken a cautious and calculated approach in defence procurement. Officials maintain that deals involving sensitive military technology require thorough evaluation on pricing, technology transfer, local manufacturing potential, and long-term strategic value. With India promoting its ‘Make in India’ initiative, balancing foreign acquisitions with domestic production remains a priority.

Moreover, India’s non-aligned stance means it is also engaging with other defence partners like France, Russia, and Israel, leading to longer decision-making cycles.

Tier 2 Cities and Defence Growth
Defence collaborations between India and the US are not just about weapon systems—they also create local opportunities. Cities like Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore are seeing increased investment in aerospace and defence manufacturing hubs. A faster closure of these deals could mean more jobs and training programs in these Tier 2 cities, boosting regional development.

Concerns Around Delay
US defence officials have reportedly expressed concern that prolonged delays could slow down the momentum built in recent years. Some deals, including those discussed during high-level visits, are seen as crucial for improving joint interoperability and readiness. India’s growing role in the Quad and other global forums also places pressure on timely execution of such agreements.

Balancing Speed and Sovereignty
Experts believe that while speed is important, India must maintain its autonomy in choosing partners and technology. Rushed decisions could lead to long-term dependencies or compromise on technology sharing. The key lies in maintaining a balance—advancing strategic partnerships while ensuring India’s defence ecosystem grows independently.

Conclusion
The US push for quicker defence deal completion reflects the growing trust and urgency in India-US ties. However, India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and domestic manufacturing will continue to shape the pace and nature of these partnerships. As global security dynamics evolve, how New Delhi navigates these deals will define its defence future—not just on the global stage, but for industries and regions back home.