Jaishankar: Indo-US Defence Partnership One of the ‘Most Consequential Pillars’ of Bilateral Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday described the India–U.S. defence partnership as one of the most consequential pillars of the bilateral relationship, highlighting its expanding strategic depth, operational trust, and global significance.

Speaking at a joint briefing during his visit to the United States, Jaishankar said that the evolving military collaboration between the two democracies not only strengthens regional security but also contributes to a rules-based international order.

Strategic Depth and Mutual Trust

“The India–U.S. defence relationship is no longer transactional. It’s among the most consequential pillars of our strategic ties,” Jaishankar stated. He emphasised that both nations are deepening interoperability, defence technology cooperation, and joint training, signalling a maturing partnership based on trust and shared values.

Recent milestones such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), joint production agreements, and the US–India COMPACT have significantly expanded the scope of collaboration from conventional military ties to include advanced areas like cybersecurity, space, artificial intelligence, and maritime domain awareness.

Defence Engagements on the Rise

India and the U.S. have conducted a record number of joint military exercises in the past year, covering land, air, and naval domains. Key highlights include:

• Yudh Abhyas and Tiger Triumph joint military drills

• Enhanced cooperation under the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) and Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)

• Expansion of defence industrial cooperation, including co-production of fighter jet components and drone technology

• Integration of Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness platforms

Regional and Global Implications

Jaishankar underlined the importance of Indo-U.S. defence ties in preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, where both countries support freedom of navigation, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

He also pointed to the growing alignment under multilateral platforms like the Quad, noting that the convergence of interests is shaping a balanced and inclusive regional architecture.

“The India-U.S. partnership reflects not just shared interests, but a shared commitment to uphold a secure and rules-based global order,” he said.

Way Forward

Looking ahead, Jaishankar confirmed that India and the U.S. are working on joint defence innovation projects, increasing private-sector participation in the military-industrial space, and encouraging youth exchanges through defence education and skill development.

The Defence Innovation Bridge, a new initiative launched under the COMPACT framework, aims to link startups and MSMEs in both countries with military innovation ecosystems.

Minister Jaishankar’s remarks underscore the transformation of the Indo-U.S. defence partnership into a cornerstone of strategic convergence. With both countries reinforcing military, technological, and operational ties, the relationship is poised to play a defining role in shaping regional security and global strategic stability in the coming decade.