India and the United States have been growing closer when it comes to defense ties, but there’s a growing sense of doubt within India’s military about how reliable the US really is. While both countries have signed important agreements to improve cooperation, India has experienced delays from Washington that are raising some red flags.
A recent agreement called the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) was signed during Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the US. This pact is meant to ensure that both countries can help each other overcome supply chain issues, particularly when it comes to military equipment. However, according to a retired Indian Air Force veteran, Group Captain Uttam Kumar Devnath, the agreement might not be as beneficial as it seems. The biggest problem? It’s non-binding, meaning neither side is actually *required* to act if supply chain problems arise. This could leave India in a vulnerable position.
One example of these supply issues is the delay in the delivery of American-made engines for India’s homegrown Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. India’s production of the Tejas warplane, which relies on engines from US defense giant General Electric (GE), has been delayed by at least nine months. These delays are particularly concerning because India’s air force is already short on fighter jet squadrons—a critical issue when facing threats from neighboring countries. India currently has 32 squadrons but needs at least 42 to handle potential conflicts on two fronts.
India is the 18th country to sign the SOSA with the US, but unlike many other nations, India did not get a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement, which would have ensured smoother defense trade between the two countries. Because of this, India still depends heavily on Russia for around 50% to 60% of its defense equipment and spare parts, including crucial systems like the S-400 Air Defense System.
Despite India’s new agreements with the US, the strong defense relationship between India and Russia remains “unbreakable and unshakable,” according to Devnath. He emphasized that India’s defense deals with the US are seen more as a way to pressure American companies to speed up their deliveries rather than as a sign of a deep, reliable partnership.
There has always been a bit of doubt in India’s military circles about trusting the US as a long-term defense partner. Delays in getting critical equipment like GE engines for the Tejas fighter jets and Apache helicopters for the Indian Army are serious concerns. These hold-ups have caused India’s security leaders to question whether the US can truly be relied upon as a consistent supplier. As Devnath points out, these delays are proof that while the US may be a valuable defense partner in some ways, it may not always be a dependable one when it counts the most.
