Following the recent Operation Sindoor strikes, India is reportedly looking to the United States for urgent supplies of weapons. This move comes in response to heightened tensions with Pakistan and growing concerns about the sophistication of Chinese weaponry in the region.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was India's response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of supporting the terrorists, a charge Pakistan denied. The operation involved missile strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated, and the conflict briefly escalated with border skirmishes and drone strikes.
The situation has prompted India to seek expedited defense procurements from the U.S.. Among the weapons of interest are Excalibur precision-guided munitions and Javelin anti-tank missiles. The Excalibur rounds can be used with howitzers. Their precision and ability to be deployed rapidly makes them ideal for high-altitude operations. The Indian Air Force used air-launched Brahmos missiles to strike back at Pakistani air force bases that had been linked to attacks targeting Indian civilian infrastructure.
This request for urgent weaponry underscores the evolving defense relationship between the United States and India. Over the past two decades, the U.S. has become a major supplier of defense equipment to India. The two countries have also increased military exercises and signed technical agreements to enhance India's access to advanced American defense technology. The U.S. has designated India as a Major Defense Partner, a status that allows India license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies.
Several agreements facilitate U.S.-India defense cooperation, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and the Industrial Security Agreement (ISA). These agreements help streamline defense sales and promote interoperability between the two militaries.
While India has historically relied on Russia for a significant portion of its defense imports, the U.S. has been actively encouraging India to diversify its suppliers. The U.S. government is keen to reduce India's dependence on Russian-origin defense articles. This push aligns with the broader strategic goal of containing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The urgency of India's request also reflects concerns about the growing presence of Chinese weaponry in Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, India deployed its D4S (Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy System) to neutralize Chinese-made Pakistani drones. India has also demonstrated the ability to strike targets deep within Pakistan, even those protected by Chinese-supplied air defense systems.
Beyond immediate arms purchases, India and the U.S. are engaged in discussions to enhance technological cooperation and streamline arms transfers. Despite ongoing negotiations for a broader trade deal, both countries recognize the importance of strengthening their defense partnership. This includes exploring co-production of defense equipment in India, furthering the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. Discussions on co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles and Javelin anti-tank missiles are reportedly ongoing.
