SOURCE: AFI
![](https://preview.redd.it/why-does-the-f35-have-a-canopy-frame-while-the-f22-doesnt-v0-00pzw8svrffe1.png?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=a0f4d93025758c6f01b2af3e73ad2e413e51e385)
![](https://idrw.org/wp-content/plugins/wccp-pro/images/transparent.gif)
In a notable reflection of his transactional approach to foreign relations, former US President Donald Trump publicly urged India to ramp up its procurement of US-made defense systems. His comments suggest that even the substantial defense contracts between India and the United States over the years, including the Rs 32,350 crore (approximately $3.9 billion) deal for 31 armed MQ-9B Predator drones finalized in October 2024, may not fully satisfy American expectations.
India has increasingly turned to the United States as a key defense supplier over the past decade and a half. Since 2007, Washington has secured over $25 billion worth of defense contracts with New Delhi, spanning a wide range of platforms and technologies. These deals underline the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, driven by shared geopolitical interests, particularly in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Some notable procurements from the US include:
- C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.
- P-8I Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for anti-submarine warfare.
- AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
- M777 ultra-light howitzers for mountainous terrain operations.
Despite this impressive list, President Trump’s remarks suggest the US sees even greater potential in India’s defense market, especially as New Delhi undertakes a massive modernization of its armed forces.
The contract for 31 armed MQ-9B Predator drones, finalized in October 2024, is a significant milestone in India-US defense ties. These drones, capable of precision strikes and long-range surveillance, are expected to bolster India’s operational capabilities along its borders and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
However, President Trump’s comments indicate that such deals are viewed as a starting point rather than a culmination of the bilateral defense relationship. Washington likely sees India’s growing defense budget as an opportunity to increase its footprint in the Indian arms market further.
While India remains committed to diversifying its defence partnerships, including significant procurements from Russia, Israel, and France, the US continues to emerge as a preferred partner in cutting-edge technologies. Deals like the co-production of GE F-414 jet engines for the Tejas MkII program and ongoing discussions about advanced technologies for India’s indigenous programs reflect this evolving dynamic.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.