The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 28th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

U.S. defence ties — India needs to keep its eyes open 

Why in News?

It is no state secret that the defence public sector undertakings have the Indian armed forces as their captive customers. In fact, with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, this dependence has only increased and has added to the stress of planners in the Indian Air Force (IAF) as they juggle with a depleting squadron strength in the IAF due to a poor production rate by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. After the IAF chief made his angst clear at the Aero India-2025 show in Bengaluru in February, there has been a flurry of media statements about how a reinvigorated environment is now geared up to supply Tejas MK1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) jets. This month, the handing over event of the first rear fuselage for the Tejas, made by a private manufacturer — with the Defence Minister and the IAF chief present — has also been highlighted in the media.

Introduction

 Defence public sector undertakings have always depended on the Indian armed forces as their main customers. This reliance has increased with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, putting more pressure on Indian Air Force (IAF) planners. The IAF is facing a shortage of fighter squadrons due to the slow production of aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

After the IAF chief expressed his concerns at the Aero India-2025 show in Bengaluru, there has been a renewed effort to deliver Tejas MK1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) jets. Recently, the first rear fuselage for the Tejas, built by a private company, was officially handed over, drawing significant media attention. As the Ministry of Defence reviews the IAF’s needs, including possible imports, it is important to consider the following key facts.

SIPRI Report and U.S. Policy

India’s Arms Imports

• India is the world’s second-largest arms importer, but its arms imports have decreased by 9.3% compared to 2015-19, according to the SIPRI report (2020-24).
• Despite this decline, India will continue to import high-cost weapon systems like aircraft, tanks, radars, and specialized armaments, contributing to its defence expenditure.

Dependence on U.S. for Fighter Aircraft Engines

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is committed to indigenous fighter jets such as LCA Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
• However, all these aircraft rely on American engines, making the IAF’s operational strength dependent on U.S. strategic decisions.
• There is a question of whether India will reduce its reliance on Russian arms, which still account for 36% of its arms imports.
• Russian defence equipment, including 270 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, S-400 missile systems, and various military assets, is a significant part of India’s current inventory.

India-U.S. Defence Relations: Short Shelf Life of Policies

• Over the past two decades, several U.S.-India defence initiatives have been introduced, but many have not had a lasting impact.
• For example, the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) in 2012 promised to bring cutting-edge technology but failed to make a significant difference.
• The recent ‘U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century’ raises the question of whether it can deliver concrete results or will fade like previous agreements.
• U.S. foreign policy is unpredictable, especially under transactional administrations like that of Donald Trump, making it essential for India to remain cautious and self-reliant to ensure long-term strategic autonomy.

‘Partnership’ is the Key Word

The Reality of U.S.-India Defense Relations: Historically, U.S.-India defense ties have been framed as a “key component” of their strategic partnership. This was reaffirmed during U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s visit in April 2016 and recent discussions between Trump and Modi. However, the core question remains whether this is a true partnership or a dependency.

What Defines a True Partnership? According to Anna Simons, a Professor of Defence Analysis at the U.S. Army War College, a true partnership is based on mutual indispensability. Dependency is not a partnership; if one side relies more on the other, the relationship becomes imbalanced. The key question is whether India and the U.S. are indispensable to each other.

Testing Indispensability: Three Key Factors

Reality Check: India’s defense R&D and manufacturing sector is not at par with the U.S., leading to an asymmetrical relationship where India could become overly dependent.

How Does India Compare in Other Defense Partnerships?

• The same indispensability test can be applied to India’s relationships with Russia (India’s largest defense supplier), Israel (high-tech military collaborations), and France (Rafale jets and other strategic deals).
• The U.S.-Pakistan case serves as a warning; the U.S. dropped Pakistan when it was no longer geopolitically useful.
• India must consider whether it could face a similar fate if its strategic importance declines.

The Uncertainty of U.S. Commitments

• The U.S.’s recent disengagement from Europe raises concerns about its long-term reliability as a partner.
• Trump-era policies demonstrated that alliances can unravel quickly if Washington’s interests shift, highlighting the need for India to remain cautious.
• India should focus on ensuring its strategic autonomy rather than falling into a dependency trap with the U.S.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

• The future of U.S.-India defense relations hinges on whether Washington genuinely desires a strong partnership with India.
• For this to happen, the U.S. must elevate India to a key political ally through strengthened ties.
• Simultaneously, New Delhi must prioritize its own interests in decision-making, regardless of potential changes in U.S. policies.
• While India continues to import essential aircraft and equipment, it is crucial to avoid excessive dependence, which could jeopardize strategic independence.