Why Everyone Is Talking About the New US-India Defense Agreements !

1. What are the two new agreements recently signed between the US and India?
The two new agreements are the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers. The SOSA agreement focuses on providing reciprocal priority support for defense-related goods and services between the two countries, helping manage supply chain disruptions. The MoA involves deploying Indian military officers to key US military commands to enhance strategic cooperation and information sharing.

2. What does the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) involve?
The Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) involves reciprocal support between the US and India for defense-related goods and services. This agreement ensures that both countries can assist each other in acquiring necessary industrial resources to address any unexpected supply chain disruptions that might impact national security. SOSA is designed to improve cooperation and interoperability but is legally non-binding.

3. Is the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) legally binding?
No, the SOSA agreement is not legally binding. It serves as a cooperative framework to enhance defense ties and improve interoperability between the US and its defense trade partners, but it does not impose legal obligations or commitments on either country.

4. What is the Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement and how is it different from SOSA?
The Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement is a legally binding framework designed to promote the rationalization, standardization, interchangeability, and interoperability of defense equipment. Unlike SOSA, which is non-binding, the RDP Agreement creates formal and enforceable commitments between countries. The US has signed RDP Agreements with 28 countries, making it a key instrument for defense procurement and cooperation.

5. How many countries has the US signed RDP Agreements with so far?
The US has signed Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreements with 28 countries. These agreements facilitate greater interoperability and standardization of defense equipment among allied nations.

6. What does the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) regarding the Assignment of   Liaison Officers involve?
The MoA on Liaison Officers involves increasing information-sharing and strategic collaboration between the US and India. Under this agreement, Indian military officers will be assigned to key US military commands to enhance mutual understanding and coordination in defense matters. The first Liaison Officer will be posted to the US Special Operations Command headquarters in Florida.

7. What was the purpose of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the US?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the US was aimed at advancing bilateral defense cooperation and prioritizing co-production projects. The visit focused on implementing agreements outlined in the 2023 US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, including collaboration on jet engines, unmanned platforms, and munitions.

8. What are some key areas of cooperation highlighted in the 2023 US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation?
The 2023 US-India Roadmap highlights several key areas of cooperation, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Undersea Domain Awareness, Air Combat and Support, and advancements in aero engines, munitions systems, and mobility. The roadmap aims to strengthen defense industrial cooperation and integration into global supply chains.

9. What is the iCET initiative and when was it discussed?
The iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) was discussed in January 2023. It aims to expand the strategic technology partnership between the US and India by focusing on co-development and co-production of critical technologies. The initiative also seeks to enhance connectivity across the innovation ecosystems of both countries.

10. What is the INDUS-X initiative and when was it launched?
INDUS-X (India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem) was launched in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US. This initiative aims to build a defense innovation bridge between India and the US, promoting joint efforts in defense technology development and industrial cooperation.

By Ojaank Sir