Biden and Modi strengthen Defense cooperation, discuss fighter jet engines and naval repair bases

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss deepening defense cooperation between the two countries.

A key focus of their discussions will be joint production of fighter jet engines and expanding the number of repair bases for U.S. naval vessels in India.

India, which currently sources about half of its arms from Russia, has faced delays in imports due to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.

With ongoing border disputes with China, India aims to enhance its defense ties with the United States and reduce its reliance on Russia.

Modi arrived in New York on Tuesday and a joint press conference will follow his meeting with Biden.

As part of the discussions, General Electric’s aerospace unit and Hindustan Aeronautics, India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company, have signed a memorandum of understanding.

The agreement pertains to the manufacturing of engines for India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet, including the transfer of technology.

The engines will be produced within India.

Additionally, both leaders will reaffirm their commitment to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, a strategic security framework that also involves Japan and Australia.

Economic topics, such as semiconductor supply networks, as well as concerns over China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, are expected to be addressed.

The United States sees India, representing emerging and developing nations of the Global South, as a crucial partner in countering what it perceives as authoritarian regimes like China and Russia.

While Modi has previously visited the U.S. as prime minister, this visit marks his first reception as a state guest in Washington.

India’s arms procurement from Russia has faced delays due to the Ukraine conflict.

The U.S. aims to leverage military assistance to create a rift in India-Russia relations, while India seeks to diversify its sources of procurement.

These circumstances pave the way for a potential agreement between the two nations.