India USA 22 Talks And Strengthening Defence Cooperation

In 2019, India and the United States held their inaugural '2+2 dialogue' in New Delhi, featuring the External Affairs and Defence Ministers from India and their American counterparts. A key outcome was the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), a long-awaited agreement. Additionally, a Memorandum of Intent was signed between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defence Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defence Excellence (DIO-iDEX) to explore collaborative projects for co-production and co-development under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). The defense ministers also expressed their intention to initiate negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) to facilitate closer cooperation within the defence industry, enabling private Indian participation in defence production.

COMCASA, an India-specific version of the Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA), became effective immediately and is valid for 10 years. India had previously signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002 and the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016. The remaining foundational agreement is the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-spatial Cooperation (BECA). Following the talks, the US granted Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status to India, aligning India's access to advanced technologies with that of NATO allies. These foundational agreements aim to enable deployed forces to share logistics support, facilitate the exchange of command, control, communications, computer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) data, and enable the sharing of geospatial products.

Strengthening Strategic Ties: The 2019 India-USA 2+2 Dialogue

The year 2019 marked a significant milestone in India-United States relations with the convening of the first '2+2 dialogue' in New Delhi. This high-level engagement, involving the External Affairs and Defence Ministers of both nations, underscored the deepening strategic partnership and the commitment to enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. The dialogue yielded concrete results, including the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), the expression of intent for an Industrial Security Annex (ISA), and the United States granting India Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status. These developments, taken together, represent a substantial leap forward in the Indo-US strategic relationship, with far-reaching implications for regional security, defence modernization, and technological collaboration.

Evolution of Indo-US Relations

To fully appreciate the significance of the 2019 2+2 dialogue and its outcomes, it is essential to understand the historical trajectory of India-US relations. During the Cold War era, India adopted a policy of non-alignment, seeking to maintain equidistance from both the United States and the Soviet Union. This stance, while reflecting India's desire for strategic autonomy, often led to friction in its relationship with the US, which was deeply entrenched in the Cold War rivalry. The US, in turn, viewed India's close ties with the Soviet Union with suspicion, particularly in light of the US's alliance with Pakistan, a key Cold War ally.

However, the end of the Cold War and the subsequent rise of India as a major economic and strategic power brought about a gradual but profound transformation in the Indo-US relationship. Shared concerns about regional security, particularly in the context of terrorism and the rise of China, began to foster a convergence of interests between the two countries. The US recognized India's potential as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region, while India saw the US as a valuable partner in its quest for economic development, technological advancement, and enhanced security.

The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008 marked a watershed moment in this evolving relationship. This landmark agreement, which overturned decades of US policy aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation, allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology and fuel from international markets, despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The agreement signaled a significant shift in US policy towards India, recognizing its responsible nuclear stewardship and its growing importance as a strategic partner.

Since then, the Indo-US relationship has steadily deepened across various domains, including defence, trade, technology, and counter-terrorism. Regular high-level dialogues, joint military exercises, and increasing defence trade have become hallmarks of this burgeoning partnership. The 2+2 dialogue, initiated in 2018, represents the culmination of this trend, providing a platform for comprehensive discussions on strategic and security issues at the highest levels of government.

The 2+2 Dialogue: A Platform for Strategic Convergence

The '2+2 dialogue' is a diplomatic format that involves the Defence and Foreign/External Affairs Ministers of two countries. It is designed to facilitate in-depth discussions on strategic and security issues, promote closer coordination, and enhance mutual understanding. The establishment of the India-US 2+2 dialogue in 2018 underscored the high level of strategic trust and commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The inaugural 2+2 dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018, with the then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis meeting their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The 2019 dialogue, which is the focus of this analysis, built upon the foundation laid in the previous year, further solidifying the strategic partnership between India and the United States.

The 2+2 dialogue serves several important purposes. First, it provides a forum for high-level officials to exchange views on a wide range of strategic and security issues, including regional developments, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and defence cooperation. This allows for a comprehensive assessment of the evolving security landscape and the identification of areas where India and the US can work together to address common challenges.

Second, the dialogue facilitates the coordination of policies and actions between the two countries. By bringing together the Defence and Foreign/External Affairs Ministers, the 2+2 dialogue ensures that all relevant aspects of the relationship are considered in a holistic manner. This helps to avoid duplication of effort and promotes a more coherent and effective approach to addressing strategic challenges.

Third, the 2+2 dialogue strengthens mutual understanding and trust between India and the US. By engaging in frank and open discussions, the ministers can build personal relationships and gain a deeper appreciation of each other's perspectives. This, in turn, fosters greater confidence and willingness to cooperate on sensitive issues.

The 2019 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi addressed a wide range of issues of mutual concern, including regional security, counter-terrorism, maritime cooperation, and defence modernization. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on the rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and pledged to strengthen cooperation in combating this global threat.

A significant focus of the dialogue was on enhancing defence cooperation between India and the US. The ministers discussed ways to promote greater interoperability between their armed forces, increase defence trade and investment, and foster technology transfer and co-production. The signing of COMCASA, the Memorandum of Intent for ISA, and the granting of STA-1 status to India were all concrete outcomes of this focus on defence cooperation.

COMCASA: Enhancing Interoperability and Communication Security

The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) is a foundational agreement that facilitates interoperability between the militaries of India and the United States. It provides a legal framework for the transfer of secure communication equipment and technologies, enabling the two countries to communicate and coordinate more effectively during joint exercises, operations, and humanitarian assistance missions.

COMCASA is an India-specific version of the Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA), which the US has signed with many of its allies and partners. The agreement allows India to access advanced communication systems used by the US military, including encrypted communication devices, data links, and satellite communication systems. This enhances India's ability to operate seamlessly with US forces and improves its situational awareness.

The significance of COMCASA lies in its ability to address a critical gap in India-US defence cooperation. Previously, the lack of a legal framework for the transfer of secure communication equipment had limited the extent to which the two militaries could operate together. With COMCASA in place, India can now acquire and use advanced communication systems from the US, significantly enhancing interoperability and coordination.

The agreement allows for the transfer of encrypted communication systems and data, subject to certain security protocols. This ensures that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access and that the communication systems are used only for legitimate purposes. COMCASA also includes provisions for regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the agreement's terms.

The signing of COMCASA in 2018 was a major milestone in India-US defence cooperation. However, the agreement only came into effect after the completion of certain administrative and legal procedures. The 2019 2+2 dialogue provided an opportunity for the two sides to review the implementation of COMCASA and to address any outstanding issues.

The immediate effect of COMCASA was to enable India to use advanced communication systems on US-origin military platforms. For example, India's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 platform, are now equipped with US-made communication systems that allow them to communicate securely with US naval vessels and aircraft. This significantly enhances India's maritime domain awareness and its ability to respond to threats in the Indian Ocean region.

COMCASA is valid for 10 years, with provisions for renewal. This long-term commitment underscores the importance that both India and the US attach to enhanced communication security and interoperability. The agreement is expected to play a key role in further deepening defence cooperation between the two countries in the years to come.

DTTI and the Memorandum of Intent: Promoting Co-production and Co-development

The Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) is an initiative aimed at promoting co-production and co-development of defence technologies between India and the United States. It seeks to move beyond simple arms sales to a more collaborative approach in defence manufacturing, fostering technology transfer and innovation.

The DTTI was launched in 2012 with the goal of identifying and pursuing opportunities for joint development and production of defence equipment. The initiative is overseen by a Joint Working Group on Defence Planning and Cooperation, which meets regularly to discuss potential projects and to address any obstacles to cooperation.

The DTTI has identified several priority areas for collaboration, including aircraft carrier technology, jet engine technology, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The two countries have also explored opportunities for co-production of existing defence equipment, such as artillery guns and small arms.

A key objective of the DTTI is to promote technology transfer from the US to India. This is seen as essential for building India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers. The US has agreed to relax some of its export control regulations to facilitate technology transfer to India, but concerns remain about the pace and scope of technology sharing.

The Memorandum of Intent signed between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defence Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defence Excellence (DIO-iDEX) during the 2019 2+2 dialogue is a significant step forward in promoting co-production and co-development under the DTTI framework.

The DIU is a US Department of Defense organization that accelerates the adoption of commercial technology into the U.S. military. It works with innovative companies to develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.

The DIO-iDEX is an Indian Ministry of Defence organization that promotes innovation and technology development in the Indian defence sector. It provides funding and support to startups and innovators to develop new defence technologies.

The Memorandum of Intent between DIU and DIO-iDEX aims to explore joint projects for co-production and co-development of defence technologies. This will involve identifying promising technologies in both countries and providing funding and support for joint development efforts.

The collaboration between DIU and DIO-iDEX is expected to bring together the strengths of both organizations. The DIU has access to a wide range of innovative companies in the US, while the DIO-iDEX has a deep understanding of the Indian defence market and the needs of the Indian armed forces. By working together, the two organizations can accelerate the development and deployment of new defence technologies that meet the specific requirements of both countries.

The DIU's power lies in its ability to fund and contract with innovative companies, while its limitations stem from being restricted to specific technology areas and projects. DIO-iDEX, as a relatively new organization, has the power to fund and support startups and innovators, but its limitations include relatively limited resources compared to established defence entities.

The collaboration between DIU and DIO-iDEX is expected to focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. These are all areas where both countries have significant expertise and where there is a growing need for innovative defence technologies. The joint projects will involve co-development of new technologies, as well as co-production of existing technologies. This will help to build India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and to promote technology transfer from the US to India.

ISA: Enabling Private Sector Participation in Defence Production

The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) is an agreement that establishes security protocols for defence industries to protect classified information and technology during joint ventures and collaborations. It enables private Indian companies to participate in defence production with US firms, promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

The ISA is a critical component of the DTTI framework. Without an ISA in place, private Indian companies are unable to access classified information and technology from the US, which limits their ability to participate in joint ventures and collaborations. The ISA provides a legal framework for the protection of classified information, ensuring that it is not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

The negotiation of an ISA between India and the US has been a long and complex process. The two sides have had to address a number of sensitive issues, including the scope of the agreement, the security protocols to be followed, and the mechanisms for monitoring compliance.

The 2019 2+2 dialogue provided an opportunity for the two sides to express their readiness to begin negotiations on an ISA. This was a significant step forward, as it signaled a commitment to resolving the outstanding issues and to putting in place a legal framework for private sector participation in defence production.

The ISA is expected to cover a wide range of activities, including joint ventures, technology transfers, and co-production agreements. It will establish security protocols for the protection of classified information at all stages of the process, from the initial exchange of information to the final production of defence equipment.

The ISA will also include provisions for regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the agreement's terms. This will help to build confidence between the two sides and to ensure that classified information is properly protected.

The implementation of an ISA is expected to have a significant impact on India's defence industry. It will enable private Indian companies to access advanced technologies from the US, which will help them to develop new and innovative defence products. It will also create new opportunities for joint ventures and collaborations between Indian and US companies, boosting investment and job creation in the Indian defence sector.

The ISA is seen as essential for promoting indigenous defence manufacturing in India. By enabling private sector participation in defence production, the ISA will help to reduce India's dependence on foreign suppliers and to build a more self-reliant defence industry.

STA-1: Enhancing Access to Advanced Technologies

Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) is a designation granted by the US government that allows a country to receive licenses for the export of sensitive technologies at par with NATO allies. It indicates a high level of trust and facilitates access to advanced technologies, boosting India's defence capabilities.

The US export control system restricts the export of certain technologies to countries that are deemed to pose a security risk. These restrictions are intended to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to protect US national security interests.

However, the US also recognizes the importance of providing access to advanced technologies to its allies and partners. STA-1 is a mechanism for streamlining the export licensing process for countries that have a strong track record of protecting sensitive technologies and that are committed to working with the US to address common security challenges.

The granting of STA-1 status to India in 2018 was a significant recognition of its growing strategic importance and its commitment to responsible technology stewardship. It signaled a high level of trust between the two countries and paved the way for increased technology transfer and cooperation.

Following the 2019 talks, the US reiterated its commitment to STA-1 status for India, reaffirming its confidence in India's ability to protect sensitive technologies. This allows India to receive licenses for the export of sensitive technologies at par with NATO allies, which will significantly enhance its access to advanced technologies.

The STA-1 designation covers a wide range of technologies, including defence equipment, aerospace components, and high-performance computers. It allows Indian companies to acquire these technologies more easily and quickly, which will help them to develop new and innovative products.

The STA-1 designation is also expected to boost investment in the Indian technology sector. US companies will be more willing to invest in India if they know that they can easily export their technologies to the country. This will create new jobs and opportunities for Indian engineers and scientists.

The STA-1 designation is seen as a key enabler of India's ambition to become a major technology hub. By providing access to advanced technologies, the STA-1 designation will help India to compete with other leading technology nations and to drive economic growth.

Foundational Agreements: Building a Framework for Cooperation

COMCASA is one of several foundational agreements that India has signed with the United States. These agreements provide a framework for cooperation in various areas, including logistics, communication, and intelligence sharing.

The other foundational agreements that India has signed with the US are:

• General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA): Signed in 2002, GSOMIA allows countries to share military intelligence. It forms the basic framework for sharing classified military information.

• Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA): Signed in 2016, LEMOA facilitates logistical support, supplies, and services between the armed forces of two countries during joint exercises and operations. It enhances operational efficiency and interoperability by streamlining logistical cooperation.

• Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-spatial Cooperation (BECA): This agreement facilitates the sharing of geospatial intelligence, including maps and satellite imagery. It enhances situational awareness and improves the accuracy of navigation and targeting systems.

These foundational agreements serve several important purposes. First, they establish a common set of rules and procedures for cooperation in various areas. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure that cooperation is conducted in a smooth and efficient manner.

Second, the foundational agreements provide a legal framework for cooperation. This is important because it gives both sides confidence that the cooperation is based on a solid legal foundation and that it will not be disrupted by political changes.

Third, the foundational agreements promote interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries. This is essential for conducting joint exercises and operations and for responding to common security challenges.

The foundational agreements are seen as a key enabler of India-US defence cooperation. By providing a framework for cooperation in various areas, these agreements help to build trust and confidence between the two sides and to promote a more strategic and long-term partnership.

Stakeholder Positions and Underlying Interests

Understanding the positions and interests of the key stakeholders involved in the India-US strategic partnership is crucial for analyzing the dynamics and potential future trajectory of the relationship.

India:

• Official Position: India officially states that it seeks to strengthen its defence capabilities, diversify its sources of military technology, and enhance its strategic partnership with the USA.
• Underlying Interests: India's underlying interests include modernizing its military, ensuring regional security, and balancing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India aims to achieve strategic autonomy while leveraging partnerships to enhance its capabilities.
• Actions Taken: India has actively engaged in the 2+2 dialogue, signed agreements like COMCASA, and increased defence procurement from the USA. India is also focusing on promoting indigenous defence manufacturing through initiatives like "Make in India".

USA:

• Official Position: The USA officially states that it seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with India, promote regional stability, and counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Underlying Interests: The USA's underlying interests include maintaining a balance of power in Asia, accessing the Indian market, and promoting its defence industry. The US sees India as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy.
• Actions Taken: The USA has engaged in the 2+2 dialogue, signed agreements with India, granted STA-1 status to India, and increased defence sales to India. The US is also working with India on joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.

Broader Implications of Enhanced India-US Cooperation

The enhanced India-US cooperation, as exemplified by the 2019 2+2 dialogue and its outcomes, has broad implications across various domains.

• Political: The strengthening of the strategic partnership between India and the USA signals a convergence of interests and a commitment to closer cooperation. This has significant political implications for the regional and global balance of power.
• Diplomatic: The enhancement of bilateral relations leads to increased dialogue and consultation on regional and global issues. This strengthens the diplomatic clout of both countries and allows them to work together more effectively on common challenges.
• Legal: The establishment of legal frameworks for defence cooperation, such as COMCASA and the potential ISA, facilitates technology transfer and joint ventures. This provides a stable and predictable legal environment for defence cooperation.
• Security: Improved interoperability between the Indian and US militaries enhances defence capabilities for India and increases regional security cooperation. This strengthens the ability of both countries to respond to security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Economic: The potential for increased defence trade and investment boosts economic growth in both countries. This creates new jobs and opportunities in the defence and technology sectors.
• Technological: Access to advanced technologies for India promotes innovation and technology development in the Indian defence sector. This helps India to build a more self-reliant and technologically advanced defence industry.

Ongoing Issues and Future Outlook

The enhanced India-US strategic partnership is situated within a complex geopolitical landscape, characterized by several ongoing issues.

• India-China Relations: The India-China relationship is marked by border disputes and strategic competition. The India-US partnership is seen by some as a counterbalance to China's growing influence.
• US-China Strategic Competition: The US-China relationship is characterized by strategic competition across various domains, including trade, technology, and security. The India-US partnership is an important element of the US strategy to counter China's influence.
• Indo-Pacific Security Architecture: The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing the emergence of a new security architecture, with India and the US playing key roles. The India-US partnership is contributing to the development of a more stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.
• Modernization of the Indian Armed Forces: India is undertaking a major modernization of its armed forces, and the India-US partnership is playing a key role in this process. The US is a major supplier of defence equipment to India, and the two countries are also working together on joint development and production of defence technologies.

Looking ahead, the India-USA strategic partnership is expected to continue strengthening, with further expansion of defence cooperation and increased alignment on regional and global issues. India has the potential to become a major defence partner for the USA in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to regional stability and security. The trajectory suggests a continued deepening of ties, driven by shared strategic interests and a commitment to a rules-based international order. The future will likely see more joint military exercises, increased technology transfer, and greater coordination on regional security issues.