Now Indian colonels will ‘read the mind’ of the US Army, a big deal happened during Rajnath Singh’s recent visit

New Delhi: During the recent US visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India took another big step in the field of defence agreements. Two major agreements were signed between India and the US. One of these is the SOSA (Security of Supplies Arrangements) deal for the supply of defence logistics to India from the US. Under the second deal, India has got permission to deploy liaison officers in US military establishments. While SOSA will further strengthen the Indo-US defence industrial ecosystem, the agreement for deployment of liaison officers will now ensure the deployment of an Indian officer of the rank of Colonel in the US Special Operations Command in Florida. Under this deal, another officer will also get deployment in the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. Deployment of Indian military officers in different US commands is not a common thing.

What did India gain from Rajnath’s US visit?

During the talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, it was also appreciated that significant progress has been made towards awareness in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain, which is an initiative of the Quad countries. Indian warships are already participating in the operations of the US-led 42-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain. By next year, India will also deploy its officers in the Combined Task Force 150 headquarters. Let us talk about its various points.

Strong military cooperation: The latest agreement will allow for greater cooperation and coordination between the Indian and US armed forces. By deploying Indian officers in US commands, the two countries can work more closely on military planning, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises, enhancing their ability to respond to regional and global security challenges.

Enhanced Strategic Relationship: The move reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and the US. It signals a mutual interest in strengthening defence ties and enhancing interoperability between the two militaries. The agreement also underlines the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Improved regional security: With the deployment of Indian officers in key US military commands, there is better synergy of defence strategies, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries have vested interests. This coordination helps in enhancing maritime security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance as well as disaster relief operations.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: The deployment of Indian officers gives them the opportunity to gain information about advanced military practices, strategies and technologies. It also allows for knowledge sharing and capacity building, which can be beneficial to India’s defense capabilities.

Countering Regional Threats: The agreement is seen as part of a broader strategy to balance the influence of other regional powers, particularly China. By increasing military coordination, the two countries aim to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific while countering any potential threat or coercive action in the region.

There was talk about PM Modi’s US visit

In fact, India had deployed its liaison officers in three US commands last year in 2023 itself. Now the deployment of three other officers in different US commands headquartered in Florida, Hawaii and Bahrain will take the military relations between India and America to a new level. India had given in-principle consent to the deployment of its liaison officers at these places during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US in June 2023. Then the US President’s House White House had said in its statement that it is clear from the agreements between us that we are constantly taking our partnership forward strongly.

India is becoming a big player in maritime security

The agreements on defence cooperation as well as sharing of very important information between India and the US reflect India’s commitment to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region. Both countries have pledged mutual cooperation on awareness in the maritime domain. The US Defense Department Pentagon has established strong military-level contact with India since 2022. It also provided logistics support of defence equipment to India. The big thing is that this deal with the US gave unprecedented access to the Indian Defense Attache without any escort. Sources in the Ministry of Defence said that this facility is not available even to NATO allies. Even top level officers of other ministries of the US do not have such access.

CMF is the world’s largest naval group

As far as CMF is concerned, it is the world’s largest multinational maritime group with the participation of 42 countries. India became its associate member in July 2022, then became a full member in November 2023. Most of the world’s major navies are included in this group. China is definitely separate from it, but Pakistan is a partner in it. Joining CMF is a big step towards expanding India’s military diplomacy.