Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has embarked on a significant four-day visit to the United States, underscoring the deepening defence cooperation between the two nations. As part of this visit, Singh stressed the critical role India and the US play in ensuring global peace and stability, underlining the partnership’s potential to address key international challenges. His engagements in Washington, D.C., are set to bolster the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, focusing on defence collaboration and shared security objectives.
Upon his arrival on August 22, 2024, Singh addressed the Indian diaspora, describing India and the US as “natural allies” with a partnership that is destined to grow stronger. He highlighted the increasing global stature of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that India’s voice is now more influential on the world stage. “Earlier, India’s words at international fora were not heeded; but today, the whole world listens carefully,” Singh remarked, emphasizing India’s rising global influence.
He also reflected on India’s economic transformation, particularly in contrast to the pre-2014 era when the country was listed among the ‘Fragile Five’ by Morgan Stanley. Today, India is considered one of the ‘Fabulous Five’ economies, with projections indicating it will become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The minister credited the government’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its focus on self-reliance (‘Aatmanirbharta’) in defence as key factors driving this growth. He highlighted that government efforts have led to significant improvements in economic indicators, such as a drop in retail inflation to a five-year low of 3.54 percent and record-high foreign exchange reserves of US $675 billion.
The Minister also detailed the strides India has made in defence manufacturing, citing the notification of Positive Indigenisation Lists, which include over 5,000 items now being produced domestically. He pointed out the surge in defence exports from Rs 600 crore before 2014 to over Rs 21,000 crore today, showcasing India’s growing role as a global defence supplier. And, attributed this success to the government’s policies and the remarkable increase in start-ups, from around 400 in 2014 to 1.20 lakh today. “We want to develop India into a strong, secure, and prosperous nation,” Singh stated, echoing the Prime Minister’s vision.
Singh’s visit to the US is not only about reinforcing economic and defence ties but also about fostering deeper strategic cooperation. A crucial component of this visit is his bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. This meeting is expected to focus on enhancing military collaboration, particularly in areas like defence technology, joint exercises, and regional security issues. Singh will also engage with Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, and chair a high-level round-table meeting with the US defence industry to discuss ongoing and future collaborations.
The signing of the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers marks a significant milestone in the defence relationship between India and the US. These agreements are expected to ensure a reliable supply chain for defence equipment and enhance cooperation through the exchange of liaison officers, further integrating the defence establishments of both countries.
In concluding his address to the Indian community, Singh urged them to contribute to India’s growth and uphold the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family). His visit is a testament to the ever-growing partnership between India and the US, reflecting a shared commitment to building a more secure and prosperous world. As Singh’s engagements unfold, they are likely to set the stage for even closer collaboration in the defence sector, reinforcing the strategic alliance between the two democracies.