Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and advance the strategic relationship via deeper engagements at all levels with the United States, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) said on Friday.

The discussion took place during a luncheon roundtable with USISPF Board members and leaders from the defence industry.

According to a statement, the Defence Minister discussed the development of the US-India defence relationship, its growth and how US corporate investments and the defence sector will be crucial to India’s vision for 2047 and growth.

USISPF was pleased to host Shri. @rajnathsingh, the Hon. Minister of Defence in Washington, D.C.

At a luncheon roundtable with USISPF Board members, and leaders from the defense industry, the Defence Minister touched on the evolution of the U.S.-India defense relationship, its… pic.twitter.com/w2FlZXj17l

— US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (@USISPForum) August 23, 2024

Singh met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and discussed crucial strategic concerns of mutual interest.

Delighted to meet the National Security Advisor of the United States @jakesullivan and share perspectives on key strategic matters of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/N9fEQIGP0X

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2024

Singh arrived on a four-day official visit on Thursday to strengthen the US-India comprehensive global strategic relationship.

Two significant agreements to strengthen their all-encompassing global strategic relationship were inked by the US and India the following day.

As per the Ministry of Defence, the agreements concern a Memorandum of Agreement concerning the Assignment of Liaison Officers and the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA).

Two important documents have been signed in Washington DC as Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh’s visit to the United States begins.

Senior defence officials from both the sides concluded the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA), and Memorandum of Agreement regarding the… pic.twitter.com/FsxZaLW1fe

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 23, 2024

In a press statement on Thursday, the US Department of Defence (DoD) said that the US and India signed a “bilateral, non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)”.

Through this SOSA, the United States and India concur to provide respective top-notch assistance for products and services that advance national security.

According to the statement, this will allow both nations to get the industrial resources required from one another to address unanticipated supply chain interruptions and satisfy requirements related to national security.

The US will assure India through the US Defence Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). The Department of Defence (DoD) will determine the program, and the Department of Commerce (DOC) will authorise the rating.

As part of the agreement, India’s industrial base will create a government-industry code of conduct, under which Indian companies would voluntarily pledge to use all reasonable means to assist US military interests first.

According to USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi, Singh discussed the “evolution of the defence relationship and the strategic depth,” highlighting how the private sector is now playing a revolutionary role in fostering deep defence synergy in emerging technology domains like cyber, drones, AI, space, and quantum.

A pleasure to host Shri. @rajnathsingh, the Hon. Minister of Defence, in Washington, DC.

The Defence Minister engaged with @USISPForum‘s Board members and leaders from the defense industry in a closed-door luncheon.

Minister Singh touched on the evolution of the 🇺🇸🇮🇳 defense… pic.twitter.com/monPHC4jVK

— Mukesh Aghi (@MukeshAghi) August 23, 2024

To assess and strengthen the current defence cooperation efforts between the two nations, Singh met US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin earlier in the day.