U.S.–India defense cooperation: progress, motivation and constraints

Abstract Defense cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between the United States and India. Since the Modi government came to power in 2014, the defense cooperation between the United States and India has entered the fast lane. The two countries have made breakthroughs on multiple fronts, such as the signing of foundational agreements, the transfer of sensitive technologies, the joint research and development of advanced military equipment, and interoperability exercises. The deepening of defense cooperation reflects the two countries’ strategic convergence based on their respective national interests. Nevertheless, the structural gaps concerning their ideology, strategic goals, and industrial capability will pose limits on their cooperation. Therefore, it is unlikely that the United States and India will become a military alliance in the full sense, but rather the two sides will more likely adopt a quasi-alliance. Defense cooperation between the United States and India has become increasingly focused on targeting China, creating real challenges for China's national security.