Modi-Trump 10-Year Defense Framework: Bold New India-U.S. Partnership

10-Year Defense Framework, COMPACT Initiative, and Ambitious Trade Goals Announced

On February 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official working visit at the White House in Washington, D.C. The leaders represented two sovereign and vibrant democracies. These democracies cherish freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and pluralism. They reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They launched the “U.S.-India COMPACT for the 21st Century” initiative. This initiative is designed to catalyze transformative change across military, commercial, and technological spheres. Tangible outcomes are expected later this year. This bold new initiative sets a results-driven agenda to further deepen bilateral ties and reinforce mutual trust and shared interests.

Defense cooperation was a major highlight of the joint statement. Both leaders announced plans to sign a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century, signaling a renewed commitment to a dynamic defense relationship across multiple domains. They celebrated the successful integration of U.S.-origin defense equipment into India’s military inventory. This includes the C‑130J Super Hercules, C‑17 Globemaster III, and P‑8I Poseidon airplanes. It also includes various helicopters and advanced weapon systems such as Harpoon anti-ship missiles and M777 howitzers. To further strengthen interoperability and defense industrial cooperation, they committed to expanding defense sales. They also committed to co-production arrangements. Specific plans were announced for the procurement of “Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. Plans were also announced for the co-production of “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles. Additionally, plans were made for acquiring six more P‑8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Moreover, the nations recognized India’s status as a Major Defense Partner. They also recognized its role as a key Quad member. Consequently, they agreed to review arms transfer regulations. They planned to streamline technology exchange processes. They also decided to open negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreement.

Beyond defense, the joint statement emphasized broad-based initiatives in trade, energy security, technology, and multilateral cooperation. Both leaders set an ambitious target called “Mission 500.” They aimed to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. They also committed to launching negotiations for a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement by fall 2025. In the energy sector, they pledged to enhance energy security. This would involve using strategic petroleum reserves. Increasing hydrocarbon production and expanding trade in oil, gas, and natural gas liquids would also contribute. They also supported India’s accession to the International Energy Agency. On the technology and innovation front, the U.S.-India TRUST initiative was launched. It aims to foster collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector in emerging technologies. These include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The leaders also unveiled the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA). This alliance aims to boost partnerships. It will focus on the production of advanced autonomous and AI-enabled defense systems in the Indo-Pacific.

Multilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties also featured prominently in the joint statement. Both leaders underlined the importance of a strong U.S.-India partnership in ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. They reiterated their commitment to Quad initiatives. These initiatives include enhanced airlift capacity and maritime security operations. They also agreed to bolster military cooperation through enhanced joint exercises. This includes an expanded “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise in India. They will support overseas deployments with improved logistics, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance frameworks. The leaders emphasized the role of cultural and educational exchange. They committed to strengthening academic partnerships. They will streamline legal mobility for students and professionals. This ensures that the deep bond between the two nations extends beyond government and military realms.

The historic meeting and the robust joint statement mark a new chapter in the India-U.S. partnership. This event lays the foundation for comprehensive cooperation across defense, trade, energy, technology, and multilateral engagements. It sets an ambitious agenda that reflects the shared vision of a prosperous, secure, and innovative future for both nations.