On September 25, 2024, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks welcomed Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to the Pentagon for a significant discussion aimed at bolstering the U.S.-India defense partnership. The meeting underscored the shared priorities between the two nations, focusing on deepening cooperation in defense industrial development, technological innovation, and enhanced operational collaboration. Both leaders highlighted the growing defense relationship, which continues to set new precedents, contributing to the security of not only the United States and India but also the wider Indo-Pacific region.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Hicks extended her gratitude to India for its strong backing of the maritime security and logistics initiatives that were recently outlined at the Quad Leaders Summit. These initiatives are seen as pivotal steps toward reinforcing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing geopolitical significance.
A key component of the talks was the ongoing efforts to jointly produce advanced military systems, such as jet engines, land mobility platforms, and munitions. These co-production initiatives align with the broader objective of achieving self-reliance in defense capabilities, a shared goal within the U.S.-India defense acceleration ecosystem known as INDUS-X. The INDUS-X framework, designed to foster joint defense innovation, was a central focus of the discussions.
Deputy Secretary Hicks praised the successful outcomes of the recent INDUS-X Summit, which saw the launch of a new joint innovation challenge targeting space domain technologies. This challenge, along with the upgraded memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Ministry of Defense’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX), represents a forward-looking approach to integrating cutting-edge defense technologies across both countries.
Beyond industrial cooperation, Hicks and Misri delved into regional security issues, stressing the importance of operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both officials reiterated their commitment to regional stability, recognizing that a free and open Indo-Pacific is crucial for peace and security.
Deputy Secretary Hicks reaffirmed the U.S.’s dedication to advancing progress across all areas of the Major Defense Partnership with India. She emphasized the need to sustain momentum in defense collaboration and innovation, pledging to deepen ties and work toward a shared vision for a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The meeting between Hicks and Misri highlights the growing defense and strategic alignment between the two democracies, underscoring the importance of their partnership in addressing contemporary global security challenges. As both nations continue to break new ground in defense collaboration, the U.S.-India defense relationship is poised to play a central role in maintaining regional stability and ensuring a secure future.–News Desk