After finalizing key agreements in France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in the United States for a meeting with President Donald Trump. This marks their first discussion since Trump’s dramatic return to the White House for a second term.
Among the key topics on Modi’s agenda, none are as critical as the tariffs imposed by the US president. Notably, India has so far avoided any new tariffs, a development that comes as a relief for both PM Modi and the nation.
Another issue expected to surface during their talks is the status of illegal Indian immigrants in the US. However, the primary focus of the meeting will be on defense. Reports suggest that Modi has an extensive defense wishlist, which he hopes to advance by the end of his visit.
What defense acquisitions is Modi considering? Which weapons and armaments is India planning to purchase from the US?
Stryker armored infantry vehicle agreement
PM Modi's top acquisitions include the Stryker infantry combat vehicles, with India showing interest in co-producing them alongside their primary manufacturer, General Dynamics. Last September-October, these vehicles were demonstrated for the Indian Army.
For those unfamiliar, the Stryker is a highly deployable wheeled armored vehicle that offers a combination of firepower, battlefield mobility, survivability, and versatility, while requiring minimal logistics support. According to the US Army, there are 18 variants of the Stryker, some designed for troop transport and others for carrying weapon systems.
The Stryker was first used in combat during the Iraq War in 2003.
Sources told The Hindu that India plans to acquire a few hundred of these vehicles in two phases: an initial direct import of a small batch, followed by licensed manufacturing of a larger number—potentially with customizations—by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a state-owned defense enterprise.
In June 2024, then-US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell confirmed that India had shown interest in co-producing Stryker vehicles, with discussions in the early stages. However, officials from both countries had expressed certain reservations.
P-8 reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft
Reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi is considering acquiring six additional advanced P-8 maritime patrol and submarine-hunting aircraft from the United States.
Manufactured by Boeing, the P-8 is specifically designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
While the Indian Navy had previously requested these aircraft, the proposal was put on hold. The P-8, known for its capability to detect submarines in deep waters, serves as the Indian Navy’s primary platform for long-range surveillance. Given China’s growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, these aircraft have become increasingly crucial for India’s defense strategy.
India currently operates 12 P-8s, having initially procured eight in 2009 under a $2.2 billion deal, followed by an additional four in 2016.
F-414 jet engines
PM Modi aims to conclude discussions on the co-production of General Electric's F-414-INS6 aero-engines in India. According to an Economic Times report, these engines, intended for India’s Tejas Mark-II fighter jets, are valued at approximately $1.5 billion.
Under the agreement, India will receive 80% of the engine parts' technology, emphasizing a focus on co-development rather than just acquiring finished products.
MQ-9B drones
During his visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi is expected to advocate for the expedited delivery of 31 MQ-9B drones.
New Delhi signed a deal with Washington last October to acquire these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for ₹32,000 crore. According to the agreement, India is set to receive them by 2029.
Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the MQ-9B drones will significantly enhance India's surveillance capabilities. With a length of 11 meters and an operational altitude of up to 50,000 feet, these drones are built for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance missions.
At the time of the deal, military experts told India Today that these hunter-killer drones would enable Indian forces to conduct remote-controlled operations and precision strikes, such as targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or engaging threats along the Himalayan border with China.
MH-60R Seahawk helicopters
Some reports indicate that during his visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Modi may advocate for the expedited delivery of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to the Indian Navy. In December, the U.S. approved the sale of MH-60R multi-mission helicopter equipment and related supplies to India, valued at approximately $1.17 billion.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin and commonly referred to as ‘Romeo,’ this versatile naval helicopter is designed for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
Built to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, these helicopters serve as the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare system in open ocean environments. According to Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R is the most advanced maritime helicopter globally.
As reported by Financial Express, the MH-60R is equipped to detect unidentified submarines and ships in surrounding waters and can deploy both active and passive sono-buoys for submarine detection as part of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.
Additionally, The Print states that ‘Romeo’ helicopters possess anti-surface warfare capabilities, enabling them to identify and engage enemy ships.
India-US defence ties
It will be intriguing to see how PM Modi manages relations with Trump, who has been urging India to boost its military purchases from the US. After assuming office in January, Trump signaled to New Delhi that it should ramp up its procurement of American weaponry.
This comes despite India having already acquired over $20 billion worth of US-made defense equipment since 2008, according to the Defense Department.
Trump’s push appears to be part of Washington’s broader strategy to steer India further away from Russia, its long-standing defense ally. In fact, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicated that Russia remained India's top arms supplier between 2019 and 2023.
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