India and USA Strengthen Military Ties Through Joint Exercises

Understanding the Strategic Relationship

To grasp the complexities of the strategic relationship between India and the United States, joint military exercises like the ongoing 'War Exercise' serve as a crucial reflection. The 21st edition currently taking place in Alaska is not merely a formal military training event; it signals that despite shifting global politics and economic tensions, defense cooperation between the two nations remains robust.

Trade Disputes and Strategic Autonomy

Trade disagreements, particularly concerning tariffs and energy imports, have surfaced between India and the USA. India's procurement of oil and defense equipment from Russia causes discomfort in Washington. Conversely, India is leaning towards a multipolar world while asserting its strategic autonomy. Nevertheless, the 'War Exercise' demonstrates that when it comes to strategic interests and security partnerships, both countries set aside their differences.

Joint Military Training in Alaska

Indian and American troops have gathered at Fort Wainwright in Alaska to participate in a two-week military exercise named 'War Exercise.' Running from September 1 to 14, this 21st edition includes soldiers from the Madras Regiment alongside the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the 'Bobcats' (Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division).

Focus on Tactical Operations

According to the Ministry of Defence, the soldiers will practice various tactical operations, including heliborne operations, the use of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), rockcraft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, battlefield medical assistance, and the integrated use of artillery, air force, and electronic warfare systems. Experts from both armies will also conduct joint workshops discussing critical topics such as UAS and counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communication, and logistics.

Enhancing Peacekeeping Capabilities

This exercise will culminate in strategically planned and executed operations, featuring live-fire drills and high-altitude combat scenarios. The primary aim is to enhance capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping missions and strengthen preparedness for multi-domain challenges.

Recent Naval Cooperation

This exercise coincides with the recent visit of the U.S. Navy's submarine support vessel USS Frank Cable to Chennai. This ship provides repair, service, and logistical support to submarines and surface vessels deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. This marks the second visit by the U.S. Military Sealift Command to the area in two years.

Strengthening Defense Agreements

Last August, India and the USA signed several military agreements, including the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the appointment of liaison officers, which bolstered defense and security cooperation.

Framework for Bilateral Defense Cooperation

The framework for bilateral defense cooperation was first established in the Joint India-U.S. Defense Cooperation Declaration in September 2013 and the Framework Agreement for Defense Relations in 2015. Under this framework, both nations committed to enhancing collaboration in this sector. Additionally, between 2016 and 2020, four more significant agreements were made, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.

Significant Defense Deals

India has also made several crucial defense deals with the USA, including the acquisition of MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters, Sig Sauer rifles, and M777 ultra-light howitzers. Currently, discussions are ongoing regarding the production of GE F-414 jet engines in India, which will be used in LCA MK 2 fighter jets. Furthermore, last year, an agreement was reached for the purchase of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs, while GE-F404 engines are currently being supplied for LCA Tejas Mark-1A aircraft.

Modern Warfare Focus

This year's exercise emphasizes heliborne operations, mountain warfare, drone and counter-drone technology, electronic warfare, and joint medical assistance. These topics reflect the evolving nature of modern warfare. Moreover, this collaboration extends beyond military readiness, enhancing joint capabilities for UN peacekeeping missions and addressing multi-domain threats.

Unanswered Questions in the Partnership

However, some questions remain unanswered. Will the USA genuinely respect India's strategic autonomy? Can India maintain a balance in its relationships with both Russia and the USA? And will this military cooperation remain limited to arms procurement, or will it evolve into technology transfer and genuine partnership?

A Message Beyond Military Exercises

Ultimately, it is clear that the 'War Exercise' is not just about firing weapons or marching in the mountains. It conveys a message—despite international tensions and bilateral differences, both India and the USA recognize that future wars and security challenges demand partnership and trust.