India begins shift toward US military equipment: US official
3 Min Read
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick says India is moving toward buying more US military equipment, signaling a shift in India-US defense cooperation.
-
An Indian army soldier stands guard as a drone takes a flight during a military drill along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan during a media tour by the Indian army in India's Akhnoor sector, on May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
India is beginning to shift its defense procurement strategy toward acquiring more military equipment from the United States, a move welcomed by Washington, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday.
“I think India is starting to move towards buying the military equipment from the United States, which then goes a long way,” Lutnick stated during remarks at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.
The shift marks a notable development in India-US defense cooperation, as New Delhi has long relied on Russia for the majority of its military supplies.
According to Lutnick, the Indian government’s prior arms purchases from Russia have often caused friction with the United States. However, he noted that open and direct dialogue has helped ease those tensions in recent years.
"That is how you move on to a really positive place, is put it on the table, address it straight on, resolve it straight on and get to a really good place. I think that is where we are," he added.
Easing tensions over India-Russia arms trade
Lutnick pointed to India’s historical dependence on Russian weaponry as a key issue in past discussions, but highlighted a growing willingness from India to address and adapt.
In March, he had publicly urged India to reduce its reliance on Moscow for arms, advocating instead for stronger defense ties with the United States.
The shift is part of Washington’s broader strategy to deepen military and strategic cooperation with India. Lutnick framed the United States as a more reliable and transparent defense partner, suggesting that India’s recalibration could enhance bilateral relations.
As India military equipment shift discussions continue, both sides appear focused on reinforcing long-term cooperation, with defense ties playing a central role in a broader geopolitical alignment. The US has long aimed to lure India away from Russia and closer to closing deals with Washington.
Read next: India finalizes $7.41 billion Rafale jet deal with France
In 2023, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that India was set to buy state-of-the-art drones from the US and cooperate in producing fighter jet engines in a new military deal between the two states.
That said, New Delhi requested purchasing 31 MQ-9B combat drones from the United States, the Hindustan Times reported, citing informed sources, in September of the same year. Subsequently, the Indian Defense Acquisition Council confirmed that 15 drones would be for the Navy and eight drones each to the Army and Air Force.
The estimated worth of the prospective contract, including maintenance costs, was approximately $3 billion.
