Lloyd Austin, the United States Secretary of Defense, is scheduled to visit India in early June to advance discussions on bilateral defense cooperation. This visit comes in the lead-up to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, where defense cooperation is expected to be a key focus.
Ely Ratner, the Assistant Secretary for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs in the Department of Defense, emphasized the deepening strategic alignment between India and the US. He highlighted that there is a clear directive from the top political leadership in the American system to prioritize the defense relationship with India, moving away from “business-as-usual” mode.
Ratner hinted at major announcements during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the US on June 22. He expressed categorical support for co-production and co-development of defense systems to enhance India’s indigenous capabilities. The visit by Secretary Austin will be his second trip to India and his seventh visit to the Indo-Pacific region since assuming office in January 2021.
Secretary Austin’s itinerary includes visits to Tokyo and Singapore before arriving in New Delhi on June 4. His visit holds significance as it follows previous visits to India by Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo earlier this year.
Speaking at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Ratner described the ongoing efforts to build, deepen, and modernize the US-India major defense partnership as a historic period. He referred to the launch of the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (ICET), which focuses on defense industrial cooperation. Ratner also mentioned recent bilateral consultations between Indian and Pentagon officials and the upcoming visits of Secretary Austin and Prime Minister Modi.
Ratner acknowledged that there have been some challenges in bilateral defense industrial cooperation but highlighted the increasing strategic alignment between the two countries. He emphasized the shared priority of deepening co-development and co-production, as India aims to strengthen its indigenous military capabilities and become a net security provider in the region.
The US supports these objectives, which would not only enhance technological cooperation but also facilitate joint operations and deployment of military systems. Ratner expressed enthusiasm about the prospects and underlined that achieving success in this area would require departing from “business-as-usual” practices.
The Assistant Secretary assured that significant progress is being made, particularly in the context of the ICET. He referred to the ongoing discussions regarding joint production of jet engines and other defense capabilities, including the application from General Electric (GE). Ratner mentioned that major announcements are expected during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US, indicating progress in these areas.
Ely Ratner’s role as an influential figure in the Pentagon and his involvement in supporting regional partnerships and defense cooperation were highlighted. His contributions to the Japan’s military modernization, the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, and deepening defense cooperation with South Korea, Philippines, and Pacific Island countries were acknowledged.
Secretary Austin’s visit to India underscores the growing defense ties between the two countries and the commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership. The discussions during his visit are expected to pave the way for significant outcomes during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US in June, reinforcing the defense cooperation between India and the United States.
