India and the United States are working together to modernize India’s air defenses.
The two countries announced an agreement in February 2025 to develop systems focusing on autonomous aerial and maritime capabilities, according to a joint statement. The Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) aims to scale industry partnerships and production to strengthen the defense industrial base in the Indo-Pacific.
“America plays an important role in India’s defense preparedness,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a joint news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., after a meeting between the two leaders. “As strategic and trusted partners, we are moving forward actively towards joint development, joint production and transfer of technology. In the times to come as well, new technologies and equipment will enhance our capacities.”
ASIA is part of a broader 10-year pact that comprises defense, trade, energy security and technology innovation. The countries pledged to enhance military cooperation across all domains, encompassing logistics and intelligence sharing, training, exercises and operations.
The leaders said they will also pursue procurements and coproduction arrangements for Javelin antitank guided missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles produced in India “to rapidly meet India’s defense requirements.” India will also acquire six more P-81 maritime patrol aircraft.
To facilitate the industry partnership and streamline trade between the two nations, India and the U.S. will review International Traffic in Arms Regulations and other trade guidelines, according to a White House statement. Some of those partnerships already have begun, leaders said. India signed a deal with the U.S.
State Department in October 2024 to buy 31 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems. The drones have a top speed of 442 kilometers per hour and a range of more than 3,200 kilometers. They can operate at altitudes higher than commercial aircraft.
The Indian military has prioritized modernizing its air defenses amid evolving threats from China’s People’s Liberation Army and Pakistani naval activity in the Indian Ocean. India’s Border Security Force reported that the number of drones they’ve shot down increased from 107 in 2023 to 295 in 2024, according to the Times of India. Many of the drones are used by smugglers to transport weapons and drugs.
India’s defense budget in 2023 was the fourth-largest in the world, behind the U.S., China and Russia. India has proposed a 9.5% increase in defense spending (to $78.8 billion) for 2025.
“Partnership between India and the U.S. strengthens democracy and strengthens democratic values and systems,” Modi said, noting that the Quad summit, which brings together Australia, India, Japan and the U.S., will take place in India in 2025. “We will work together to enhance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”