India is the world’s largest importer of arms by value, accounting for 10% of global arms imports between 2008 and 2023. India is expected to invest at least $200 billion over the next decade to modernize its armed forces. Over the years, U.S. defense sales to India have significantly expanded, focusing on modernizing India’s military with cutting-edge technologies.
Since 2008, India has contracted over $20 billion worth of U.S. defense equipment. These sales have included transport and maritime aircraft, helicopters, missiles, and artillery systems, such as C-130J Super Hercules transport planes, C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and AH-64E Apache helicopters. India is now the largest operator of C-17s and P-8Is outside of the U.S.
In June 2023, the U.S. and India launched the Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to boost defense technology and industrial cooperation. This initiative aims to further deepen their strategic ties, with General Electric proposing to jointly produce advanced F414 jet engines in India. Additionally, India approved the purchase of 31 armed MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles for $4 billion. Other ongoing discussions involve enhancing India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, with proposed sales of advanced radio systems, sonobuoys, torpedoes, and guided artillery rounds.
Major Arms Transfers: A Growing Partnership
The defense relationship between India and the United States has rapidly evolved since 2008, becoming a central pillar of the two countries’ broader strategic partnership. This cooperation spans across arms transfers, military exercises, and technological collaborations. In recognition of India’s growing role in global security, the U.S. Congress designated India a “Major Defense Partner” in 2016, allowing for more robust defense trade and cooperation. As the U.S.-India defense ties continued to strengthen, the Biden Administration embarked on new initiatives to advance technology-sharing and co-production of defense systems. The potential for future arms sales and joint technological efforts with India could prompt adjustments to U.S. laws and regulations to facilitate these developments.
Orders and Deliveries to India from U.S. Companies
The following is a summary of major U.S. arms orders and deliveries to India from 2000 to 2023 according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service. Some were Direct Commerical Sales and others were Foreign Military Sales (FMS), that is government to government
- Air:
- 28 Boeing AH-64 Apache combat helicopters (22 delivered so far)
- 1,354+ AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles
- 12 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft (11 delivered)
- 2 General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAVs (leased in 2020)
- 147 aircraft turbofans (48 delivered)
- Sea:
- 1 Austin-class amphibious transport dock
- 24 MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters (6 delivered)
- 12 Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft
- 48 Mk-54 ASW torpedoes (32 delivered)
- Land:
- 145 M-777 towed 155 mm howitzers
- 1,200+ M-982 Excalibur guided artillery shells
- 145,400 SIG Sauer SIG716 assault rifles
Bilateral Military Exercises: Enhancing Interoperability
The scope, complexity, and frequency of U.S.-India military exercises have grown substantially since 2002, with a particular focus on maritime security and joint operational readiness. India now conducts more military exercises and personnel exchanges with the U.S. than with any other country. Some of the key bilateral exercises include:
- Yudh Abhyas (Army):
This is the leading bilateral ground forces exercise, and the 20th edition was scheduled for September 2024 in India. U.S. Army units, including the 11th Airborne Division, regularly participate in these exercises. - Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces):
Focused on special forces operations, this exercise has been held since 2010, with the most recent edition held in Idaho in November 2024. - Cope India (Air Force):
First held in 2004, this exercise focuses on air force combat training. The 2023 edition was the largest, featuring U.S. B-1B bombers and F-15 combat aircraft. - Tiger Triumph (Tri-service):
In 2019, the U.S. and India conducted their first-ever tri-service exercise, focusing on joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations. A third iteration of the exercise took place in March 2024.
Multilateral Military Exercises: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
India’s participation in multilateral military exercises with the U.S. and other partners has further strengthened its defense ties. Key exercises include:
- Malabar (Navy):
Initially a bilateral naval exercise, Malabar expanded to include Japan in 2014 and Australia in 2020, bringing together the naval forces of all four Quad nations. - Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC, Navy):
A biennial exercise that involves multiple countries, RIMPAC is considered the largest maritime exercise globally. India participated in the 2024 edition. - Milan (Navy):
India’s biennial exercise in the Bay of Bengal, Milan, saw U.S. Navy participation in 2022 and 2024.
Other multilateral exercises include Cutlass Express (Navy), La Perouse (Navy), and Sea Dragon (Navy), as well as air exercises such as Pitch Black and Red Flag, in which India has participated.
Legislative Developments
To accommodate the growing defense cooperation between the U.S. and India, legislation has been introduced in the 118th Congress. Bills such as S. 2096 and H.R. 4312 aim to enhance India’s eligibility for arms sales under the Foreign Military Sales program and other defense export mechanisms. These legislative efforts highlight the importance of adjusting U.S. laws and regulations to keep pace with evolving defense relations.
Conclusion
The U.S.-India defense partnership has seen remarkable growth over the past two decades, marked by significant arms transfers, joint military exercises, and enhanced technological cooperation. As both countries deepen their defense ties, legislative and regulatory adjustments may be necessary to facilitate future collaboration. The expanding scope of military exercises and arms sales signals a robust and enduring security relationship, with both countries poised to benefit from continued strategic cooperation in the years to come.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
