India, already the world’s largest weapons importer, plans to invest $200 billion over the next decade to transform and modernize its military.
In his recent visit to Washington, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed India up to buy more U.S. defense equipment, including additional heavy armored vehicles, drones and fighter jets. “It is extraordinary that, less than one month into the new Trump Administration, the United States and India could announce such a broad set of actions in the defense sector,” former U.S. Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster told CNBC Procuring U.S. defense equipment is also one way New Delhi can lower the growing U.S.-India trade deficit, seen as key to maintaining good relations with Trump. (Note: Watch my interview with Ambassador Juster at the World Affairs Council)
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with President Donald Trump to strengthen U.S.-India defense ties. Modi committed to purchasing additional U.S. defense equipment, including heavy armored vehicles, drones, and fighter jets. Trump offered India access to Lockheed Martin‘s advanced F-35 fighter jets,.
Several factors are driving India’s defense enhancement strategy. Heightened geopolitical tensions with China, recurring border skirmishes, and Beijing’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean have all contributed to India’s urgent need to strengthen its military capabilities. As Pravin Krishna, professor at Johns Hopkins University, told CNBC, “China’s expansionist policies and military buildup along the border remain a serious challenge.”
China’s naval activities particularly concern Indian officials. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri of Eurasia Group notes that “China has made the point that the Indian Ocean is not India’s ocean.” According to Indian navy intelligence, China is constructing aircraft carriers intended for deployment in the Indian Ocean and operates a naval base in Djibouti on Africa’s east coast.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
