Explore India-US defence ties in light of IAF concerns, SIPRI data & Tejas developments. Must-read for UPSC, SSC & Banking aspirants. March 2025 GK update.
India-US Defence Ties: Strategic Gains or New Dependency?
In March 2025, defence relations between India and the United States once again took center stage in current affairs, especially after the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief’s public concerns at the Aero India 2025 show. As New Delhi strengthens its military capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, questions arise about strategic autonomy, import dependency, and the true nature of India-U.S. defence ties. Let’s break down this key topic for aspirants tracking daily GK updates and current affairs March 2025.
The Current Defence Landscape: IAF's Concerns & Aatmanirbhar Push
Despite India's efforts to promote indigenous defence manufacturing, particularly via HAL's Tejas MK1A Light Combat Aircraft, the Indian Air Force has openly expressed concerns over:
The slow production rate of domestic jets.
Depleting squadron strength.
Continued reliance on foreign defence imports.
In a high-profile event this March, the first rear fuselage of the Tejas made by a private company was handed over in the presence of the Defence Minister and IAF Chief, showing a shift toward private sector involvement.
India’s Position in Global Arms Imports
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report for 2020–2024:
🇮🇳 India remains the second largest arms importer globally.
Import reduction by 9.3% compared to 2015–19.
Despite progress, high-end weapons (jets, tanks, radars) will still need to be imported.
American Engines, Indian Jets: Strategic Risks?
India’s current and future indigenous aircraft — LCA Tejas MkIA, Tejas Mk2, and AMCA — are all planned with American jet engines.
⚠️ Implication: The IAF’s combat readiness becomes partly dependent on U.S. foreign policy, which could affect operational autonomy.
India’s existing military inventory, including 270 Sukhoi Su-30s and S-400 systems from Russia, still represents 36% of India's defence imports.
India-U.S. Defence Frameworks: Past Promises, Future Doubts
Over the years, flashy terms like the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) of 2012 and the Major Defence Partnership (2024) have promised high-tech collaboration. However, many such initiatives:
Lacked long-term commitment.
Were affected by changing U.S. administrations.
Created asymmetrical partnerships, where India risks dependency rather than mutual benefit.
Are India and the U.S. Truly Strategic Partners?
Quoting Prof. Anna Simons (U.S. Army War College), true partnerships require:
Mutual indispensability.
Division of roles in joint projects.
Complementary strengths.
But currently:
India and the U.S. have asymmetrical defence R&D.
U.S. partnerships have often been transactional, e.g., with Pakistan or Europe.
India's defence dependency on any one nation threatens strategic autonomy.
Key Takeaways for Quick Revision
🇮🇳 India is the world’s 2nd largest arms importer, despite efforts to go local.
✈️ Indigenous jets like Tejas and AMCA rely on American engines.
🤝 India-U.S. defence deals often lack long-term reliability.
🧩 True partnerships need equality, complementarity, and stability.
🛑 Over-dependence on any one country could compromise India’s autonomy.
Why This Matters for Exams
This topic is crucial for students preparing for:
UPSC (GS Paper 2 – International Relations, GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)
SSC & Banking (Current Affairs & GK)
Defence Services Exams (CAPF, CDS)
Expect MCQs and analytical questions around:
SIPRI report stats.
India’s defence partnerships and self-reliance policies.
Comparison of India’s imports from the U.S. vs Russia.
Policy implications of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Stay updated with the latest competitive exam news and daily GK updates only on Atharva Examwise. Keep your eyes open—just like India must in its evolving strategic partnerships.
