SOURCE: AFI
A diplomatic standoff between the United States and Canada over the issue of Khalistan has not only affected India-Canada relations but may also strain India-US ties. The assassination of a Canadian Khalistani terrorist and an assassination attempt on an American terrorist linked to the same movement have intensified tensions. In the Canadian case, India has been directly blamed, but the situation with the US is being handled more discreetly and diplomatically.
The US presented strong evidence regarding the assassination attempt, and India responded by taking action against those responsible, including ex-RAW agent Vikas Yadav, an Indian citizen. Efforts are underway to extradite him, although Indian legal processes will likely take precedence before he faces justice.
While diplomatic relations between India and Canada have deteriorated, with both governments blaming each other, India-US relations appear to be more nuanced and managed maturely. Major defense deals, such as the signing of the MQ-9 drone deal, indicate that the US-India defense ties remain intact. However, concerns have arisen that this diplomatic situation could potentially impact the procurement of GE’s F414 engines for India’s Mark-II AMCA program. Despite this, indications suggest that these defense deals will not be affected, as they are driven by strategic interests on both sides.
India’s relationship with the US in defense is intricate and interest-based, making it difficult to fully rely on American commitments. History has shown that the US has, at times, withheld defense supplies even after deals were sealed, as witnessed in past dealings with Pakistan. This serves as a reminder that India must continue to seek alternatives to reduce over-dependence on the US.
One potential avenue is strengthening defense ties with France. France has shown a willingness to collaborate with India on critical defense technologies, including the development of nuclear submarines and jet engines. France has offered to share intellectual property (IP) rights and build infrastructure in India, signaling its commitment to a long-term partnership. Safran, a French aerospace company, is already setting up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India, further expanding its presence.
While French defense equipment tends to be more expensive than its American counterparts due to its smaller production scale and higher R&D costs, France’s diplomatic autonomy makes it an attractive alternative for India. Unlike other European nations, France’s decisions are not heavily influenced by the US, making it a reliable defense partner. For example, the Rafale fighter jet stands out in the MRFA competition because it is not dependent on American components.
France’s willingness to co-develop the Kaveri engine with India could provide a strategic alternative to the American GE engines currently used in the Tejas aircraft. The core of the M88 engine, in collaboration with Kaveri, could eventually replace the F404 engines in India’s fighter jets, ensuring India’s independence from US-controlled technology. The development of the enhanced M88 D4 engine could also be a future alternative to the F414 engine.
India’s defense ties with France could prove beneficial in the long term, providing greater security and autonomy compared to reliance on the US. While India cannot completely avoid American involvement in its defense sector, diversifying its partnerships—especially with France—can mitigate the risks associated with over-dependence on any single country.