India and United States Deepen Strategic Defense Technology Partnership
In a significant move to bolster bilateral defense cooperation, India and the United States convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi to explore enhanced collaboration in critical and emerging defense technologies. The discussions aimed to address evolving global security requirements and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting in New Delhi on February 3 and 4. This pivotal gathering was conducted in alignment with the vision and policy guidance established under the framework for the India-US major defense partnership. This framework was originally signed by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in October 2025, setting the stage for deepened bilateral engagement.
During the plenary session, delegations from both countries conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing cooperation in defense science and technology. They engaged in detailed discussions about the associated challenges and examined various proposals designed to further strengthen collaboration in critical and emerging defense technologies. The primary objective was to ensure that both nations are well-equipped to meet the rapidly evolving defense and security requirements of the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Expanding Research and Development Initiatives
The meeting placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the participation of university-affiliated research centers, defense laboratories, and industries in cooperative research and development initiatives. This approach is intended to leverage academic expertise and industrial innovation to drive advancements in defense technology. By integrating these diverse sectors, both countries aim to foster a more robust and innovative defense ecosystem.
Additionally, the discussions explored potential collaboration between DRDO and the defense innovation unit under the innovation bridge framework. This exploration focused on identifying synergies and creating pathways for joint projects that could lead to breakthrough technologies in defense applications.
Key Outcomes and Leadership
The meeting concluded with the signing of a project agreement, marking a concrete step forward in the bilateral defense technology partnership. This agreement is expected to facilitate specific collaborative projects and streamline joint efforts in research and development.
The plenary was co-chaired by Chandrika Kaushik, the Director General (Production Coordination and Services Interaction) of DRDO, and Michael Francis Dodd, the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies in the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. Their leadership underscored the high-level commitment from both nations to advancing this crucial partnership.
This meeting represents a continued effort by India and the United States to align their defense technology strategies and work collaboratively on developing next-generation capabilities. The focus on critical and emerging technologies highlights the forward-looking nature of this partnership, aiming to address future security challenges through innovation and shared expertise.
