Strategic Defense Agreements Between India and the U.S.

Context:

India and the United States have recently solidified their defense cooperation by signing two significant agreements. The first is a non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), and the second is a Memorandum of Agreement for the Assignment of Liaison Officers. These pacts aim to enhance mutual support and streamline defense operations between the two nations.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA)
2. Memorandum of Understanding on Liaison Officers
3. Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement
4. Differences between SOSA and RDP
5. Evolution of India-US Relations
6. Challenges to India-US Relations

Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA)

• SOSA is an agreement between the US and India to prioritize each other’s goods and services for national defense, ensuring supply chain resilience during emergencies.
• It facilitates expedited deliveries between US defense contractors and India, based on mutual goodwill rather than legally binding commitments.
• The agreement is supported by the US’s Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Commerce (DOC).

Memorandum of Understanding on Liaison Officers

• To enhance information-sharing between India and the US by establishing a system of Liaison Officers.
• Begins with India deploying an officer to the US Special Operations Command in Florida.
• Builds on previous defense cooperation agreements from 2013 and 2015, aiming to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement

• Currently under discussion and yet to be finalized.
• Designed to enhance the rationalization, standardization, interchangeability, and interoperability of defense equipment between the US, India, and other allied nations.
• Allows US companies to bypass certain procurement restrictions under India’s “Make in India” initiative, which could lead to establishing manufacturing bases in India and fostering closer collaboration with local firms.

Differences between SOSA and RDP

• SOSA: Focuses on maintaining the defense supply chain during crises without creating legally binding obligations.
• RDP: Aims to establish a legally binding framework that prioritizes defense orders to facilitate greater joint production and technological collaboration between the participating countries.

Evolution of India-US Relations:

• Cold War Era: India followed a non-alignment policy, whereas Pakistan was aligned with the US.
• Post-Cold War and Economic Liberalization: Relations improved significantly in the 1990s following India’s economic liberalization.
• Strategic Partnerships and Agreements: Key milestones include President Clinton’s visit in 2000, the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership in 2004, and the 2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement, which recognized India as a responsible nuclear power.
• Broadening Cooperation: Bilateral trade reached USD 118.28 billion in 2023-24. Collaborations have expanded into clean energy, digital economy, healthcare, AI, quantum computing, and 5G technologies.
• Space and Strategic Initiatives: Initiatives like the Artemis Accords and participation in the US Indo-Pacific strategy emphasize strategic cooperation.
• Geopolitical Alignment: The rise of China as a common strategic challenge has brought India and the US closer.

Challenges to India-US Relations:

• Domestic Policies and Human Rights: US concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in India, particularly in light of the Citizenship Amendment Act and the changes in Jammu and Kashmir’s status.
• Divergent Approaches to China: While both nations view China as a strategic threat, economic ties between India and China present conflicts of interest with the US.
• Trade Disputes and Protectionism: Ongoing disputes over trade, market access, and intellectual property rights hinder the achievement of a comprehensive trade deal.
• Historical Non-alignment Legacy: India’s historical tilt towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War still affects bilateral perceptions.
• Balancing Relations with Russia: India’s relationship with Russia, especially evident during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, poses a challenge in aligning fully with US geopolitical stances.

-Source: The Hindu