Strengthening the US-India Partnership in Technology, Defense, and Trade

The US-India partnership in technology and defense has been growing stronger, with key initiatives like the US-India TRUST launched in February 2025. This initiative focuses on collaboration in areas like AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and space, while ensuring the use of reliable technology vendors. Both countries aim to build a roadmap for AI infrastructure by 2025 and create resilient supply chains for critical materials. In defense, they are progressing under the US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, with co-production of jet engines and mobility systems.

The Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance and INDUS-X initiatives aim to boost collaboration in autonomous systems and defense innovation. Additionally, a Strategic Mineral Recovery program has been established to process critical minerals. To address trade disputes, the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF) has resolved issues like tariff barriers, and both nations are working towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by 2025. Their “Mission 500” goal is to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Strengthening the US-India Partnership in Technology, Defense, and Trade

The partnership between the United States and India in technology and defense has been growing stronger, particularly with recent discussions and collaborations. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key developments:

Strengthening Cooperation in Technology and Defense

In February 2025, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, D.C., the U.S. and India launched the US-India TRUST initiative. This program aims to boost collaboration between governments, universities, and private companies in key areas like defense, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, energy, and space exploration. A major focus is on using trusted technology providers and protecting sensitive technologies.

The two nations have also agreed to work with private companies to develop a plan for building AI infrastructure by the end of 2025. Additionally, the TRUST initiative aims to create strong and reliable supply chains, particularly for semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals.

Advances in Defense Technology

The US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap has made significant progress in co-producing important defense items like jet engines, ammunition, and mobility systems. To further strengthen collaboration, a new group called the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) has been formed. This alliance focuses on advancing autonomous technologies and production, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

In 2023, the two countries launched the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to encourage innovation in defense technology. Alongside this, the INDUS Innovation initiative was introduced to strengthen ties between industries and universities in both nations, with a focus on areas like space and energy.

Collaboration on Critical Minerals

The U.S. and India have also started the Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative. This program aims to recover and process essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements from industries such as mining and oil. These minerals are crucial for manufacturing advanced technologies, including electronics and renewable energy systems.

Resolving Trade Disputes

Trade issues between the U.S. and India are addressed through the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF). In 2023, the two countries resolved seven trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO). During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S., both nations agreed to deepen their trade relationship by increasing market access, reducing trade barriers, and integrating supply chains.

They also plan to negotiate a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025. Additionally, they have set an ambitious goal called “Mission 500” to more than double their trade volume to $500 billion by 2030.

Summary

The U.S.-India partnership in technology and defense is advancing rapidly, with both countries working together on innovative projects and resolving trade issues.