Indo-US Defence Ties Shift Towards 'Make in India
· news
Indo-US Defence Ties: Jaishankar Pushes ‘Make in India’ Approach in Talks with Rubio
The recent meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has underscored a subtle yet significant shift in the defence cooperation dynamics between India and the United States. As the two nations continue to strengthen their partnership, Jaishankar’s emphasis on incorporating the ‘Make in India’ approach into future defence collaborations signals a move away from mere dependence on American military aid.
This development is not surprising given the context of the 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement that was recently renewed. The signing of this framework has set the stage for deeper cooperation between the two nations in the defence sector, with Jaishankar highlighting the importance of taking into account India’s own indigenous defence capabilities and lessons drawn from recent conflicts.
The implications of this shift are multifaceted. On one hand, it means that India will no longer be solely reliant on American military aid but instead work towards developing its own defence capabilities. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Make in India’ and reflects the government’s commitment to self-reliance and economic development.
Jaishankar’s emphasis on incorporating the ‘Make in India’ approach is also a natural extension of India’s ongoing defence modernization efforts. The country has made significant strides in recent years, with major contracts awarded to domestic defence manufacturers such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Initiatives like the Defence Industries Growth and Development Policy (DIGDP) have also promoted private sector participation in defence production.
The energy security aspect of the talks is also significant. Jaishankar’s emphasis on diversified supplies as the key to ensuring affordable and accessible energy for India’s 1.4 billion people is a timely reminder of the country’s critical energy needs. The expansion in energy trade between the two nations, facilitated by the passage of the Shanti Act, has opened up new possibilities for collaboration in the nuclear sector.
The discussions on Indo-Pacific and global conflicts are also significant, given the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, underscoring the country’s commitment to multilateralism and peaceful resolution of disputes. The upcoming talks will focus on developments in the Gulf region, the Ukraine conflict, and the Indo-Pacific.
Rubio described India as a ‘strategic ally’, highlighting the depth and breadth of the India-US partnership. This relationship extends beyond regional cooperation to global coordination, making it an essential component of the world’s efforts to address emerging security challenges.
Jaishankar’s push for incorporating the ‘Make in India’ approach into future defence collaborations with the US marks a significant shift towards a more self-sufficient and mutually beneficial partnership. As India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities, this development has far-reaching implications for regional stability, global security, and the country’s economic development.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
It's about time India took control of its defence narrative by investing in indigenous capabilities rather than relying on American aid. Jaishankar's push for 'Make in India' is a welcome step towards self-reliance, but we can't ignore the elephant in the room: will our domestic manufacturers be able to scale up production and meet the demand for sophisticated equipment? The government needs to provide clearer roadmaps and incentives for private sector participation if this ambitious plan is to succeed.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
This 'Make in India' push by Jaishankar is long overdue, but its success hinges on the ability of Indian industry to keep pace with the West's cutting-edge technology and manufacturing capabilities. The Defence Industries Growth and Development Policy (DIGDP) has been a step in the right direction, promoting private sector participation, but we need more concrete measures to incentivize domestic defence production. The onus is now on Modi's government to create an ecosystem that supports indigenous development, rather than just relying on piecemeal contracts awarded to HAL and BDL.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While the 'Make in India' approach is a welcome shift in Indo-US defence ties, policymakers must address the elephant in the room: intellectual property protection. As India ramps up indigenous defence production, concerns over American technology transfer and IP rights are likely to escalate. The US has a history of tightening export controls on sensitive technologies, which could impact future cooperation. To mitigate these risks, India needs to strengthen its IP regime and establish clearer guidelines for foreign companies operating in the country's defence sector.