India’s Defence Deals with US and France Boost Indo-Pacific Power | Rafale-M, Drones, Maritime Tech

India’s Growing Focus on Maritime Security- India has been taking major steps to increase its strength in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in terms of maritime security. Recently, the United States approved a major defence deal worth $131 million to sell advanced maritime domain awareness software and equipment to India. This includes the SeaVision software, field team training, remote software support, and logistics assistance. This move will help India monitor sea activities more effectively and counter any threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said that this sale will improve India’s security and support peace, political stability, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. The deal also shows how strong the India-US partnership has become over the years.

India Signs Rs 63,000 Crore Deal with France for Rafale-M Jets

In another big step, on 28 April 2025, India signed a massive Rs 63,000-crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets. These jets will be used by the Indian Navy and will operate from India’s two aircraft carriers – INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The deal includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, as well as training, spare parts, and local production of some components.

This defence agreement strengthens India’s ability to protect its interests in the Indian Ocean and respond to any threat more powerfully. It also highlights the deepening strategic friendship between India and France.

India’s Armed Drone Deal with the US: A Step Towards Future Warfare

In February 2024, the US approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India, worth around $3.99 billion. These drones can fly long distances and are capable of conducting surveillance and strike operations. They will help India keep a close watch on important sea routes and boost its ability to respond quickly to any threat.

This deal was first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2023, and it reflects India’s ambition to adopt modern defence technologies.

Indo-US Cooperation on Undersea Domain Awareness

In September 2024, India and the US supported a new partnership between American company Liquid Robotics (a Boeing subsidiary) and India’s Sagar Defence Engineering. They will jointly build Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) called Wave Gliders. These vehicles can move on the sea surface for long periods without fuel and are used for undersea surveillance.

This project will strengthen both countries’ ability to detect undersea threats and protect their coastlines and strategic areas. It is also a step toward co-developing technology instead of just buying it, showing India’s focus on building its own defence industry.

At the Quad Summit in September 2024, India, the US, Japan, and Australia agreed to expand their maritime security cooperation. This includes joint Coast Guard activities and improved military logistics. The aim is to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region remains free, open, and safe, especially in the face of China’s aggressive moves in these waters.

The Quad is becoming an important group of like-minded democracies, working together to ensure peace and rule-based order in the region.

In June 2023, India and the US launched INDUS-X, a special program to promote technology innovation in defence. This initiative encourages private companies and government organisations from both nations to work together on important projects. So far, it has led to joint efforts in underwater communication systems, oil spill detection, and smart surveillance.

INDUS-X is a strong example of how India and the US are not just buyer and seller anymore, they are co-innovators and partners in modern defence.

These recent defence deals are not sudden; they are part of a long history of India building strong partnerships with democratic nations for peace and security.

In 2020, during rising tensions with China in Ladakh, the US and India signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), allowing India access to high-end American satellite data to improve its defence targeting.

In 2016, India was designated as a Major Defence Partner of the US, making it easier to share defence technology. Over the years, India has also signed defence agreements with France, including the earlier 2016 deal for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force.

These past efforts have now grown into a much stronger network of defence and strategic partnerships, especially focused on securing the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s recent deals and partnerships clearly show its growing leadership role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By working with countries like the US, France, Japan, and Australia, India is not only modernising its military but also shaping the global security order in Asia.

From buying modern fighter jets and drones to co-developing cutting-edge surveillance technologies, India is proving that it is a responsible, powerful, and peaceful nation ready to play a leading role on the world stage.

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