U.S. defence ties — India needs to keep its eyes open, Pg 6

India’s Import Dependency

• Despite Atmanirbhar push, India remains 2nd highest arms importer per SIPRI (2020–24).
• Dependence on U.S. and other nations for fighter jets, radars, missile systems persists.

Issues in Defence Partnership

• Frequent U.S. policy shifts raise doubts about India-U.S. strategic reliability.
• Past frameworks like Defence Tech and Trade Initiative (2012) saw limited results.

Question of Mutual Indispensability

• Real partnership must be grounded in mutual strategic indispensability, not transactional ties.
• Asymmetric tech capability and limited joint development raise concern.

Looking Ahead

• India must balance dependence with self-reliance, focus on joint R&D, and capability building.
• Strategic autonomy should not be compromised in pursuit of short-term defence deals.

Analysis & Way Forward

• India should diversify defence imports, accelerate domestic capability, and seek strategic depth in partnerships.
• Evaluate foreign defence ties for long-term security alignment, not just short-term needs.

Mains Mock Question:

_India’s increasing defence ties with the U.S. raise questions about strategic autonomy. Critically assess this relationship in the light of India's indigenisation goals._