The growing Indo-US Defence Ties (Part 2)

From Satyam Pathak

Updated : 03 Feb

India-US bilateral defence relations are growing. Never before this, these two countries had sought closer ties so pro-actively.

What are the reasons behind it?

Indian economy has potential to achieve high growth rates. It is expected that India is going to spend $250 million in the next decade for the modernization of its military. This sum will be spent on different defence equipments, jets, aircraft carriers etc. With this intention of New Delhi, Washington has recognised it as a potential buyer of its high end equipments. Also, India has resources which it can spend for the joint manufacturing. US is not feared about the possibility of generating competition from Indian defence industry as a by-product of the joint manufacturing. It knows that India will take decades to match the standards of US defence industry.

US consists India as a committed ally. Both of them have stable democratic structure and also have some common visions other than the defence sector. Both the countries are bothered about the 'expansionist' China which is strengthening up it's defence capabilities and expanding its maritime foot print far far away from its territory. It is also claiming the right over different foreign spaces including India's north eastern state Arunachal Pradesh. This has made China a common rival for US.

India's evaporating defence relations with its old partner Russia is also one of the reason of India's inclination towards US for its future defence deals.

India should remain cautious

The recent signing of defence framework agreement between New Delhi and Washington has provoked Pakistan's sentiments also. Pakistan has criticised these framework. US is showing that Pakistan is no longer that much important to it as it was earlier. India should not completely trust on US by misunderstanding the 'defence deals' with 'military alliance'. It is hard to find the instances when US helped India by providing military combat support.

Also, one cannot forget the arms and other support which US gave to Pakistan in the recent past.

US is disillusioned in the feelings of Pakistan

US should understand that Pakistan cannot be a permanent ally of any country. It is one of the most unstable country. It will favour US only till it is getting the support. 

A stronger tie with India would actually enhance the regional stability. It will enable both countries to tackle terror threats. A stronger Pakistan would actually increase the risk to US. There are statements flowing that 'Islamic States', a major militant organisation having roots in middle eastern countries, can acquire Pakistan's nuclear weapons. Such claims cannot be ignored. Pakistan has shown deep involvement in terrorism in the past.

Pakistan's closeness to China has made it mandatory for US to grow ties with India strongly.