US can help India with military modernization: Admiral Tom Harris
India has a military nightmare to handle, with Pakistan pushing in on the Western front and China aggravating the Doklam standoff at the eastern front. In this context, a top US commander has stated that the US is ready to help India develop its military capabilities in "significant and meaningful ways". Can India successfully benefit from the strategic importance it holds for the US?
What did Admiral Harris say?
Admiral Tom Harris of the US Pacific Command, noted that US places India at the same footing as its allies. Expressing his pleasure at the steady improvement of Malabar over the past two decades, Harris asserted that India and US could do a lot together in the future. He further added that American leadership is working to improve defense relationship between the two countries.
Why does the US consider India important?
India's marvellous economic and military growth in the past decade prompted US to look at India as a partner that could shoulder global responsibilities including guarding the Indian Ocean. It further looks to India as a key player in countering threats from China at both land and sea. India also assumes an important place in US counter terrorism strategy in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
What is Exercise Malabar?
The Malabar Exercise, starting off as a bilateral engagement between India and the US has been held annually since 1992. It acquired trilateral status in 2015 with the entry of Japan. The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, covers aspects including maritime interdiction and aerial combat.
Signs of a growing India-US defense relationship
Growing strong over the past decade, Indo-US defense trade currently stands at around $15 billion and is expected to grow further. Most recently, US has inked agreements with India to supply F-16 fighter aircraft and M-777 howitzers (artillery guns) for the Indian Army. Both countries further participate in the Malabar Naval Exercises and the Rim of Pacific Exercises (RIMPAC) held annually in Hawaii.
What does this signify?
Great news for India! With all that India feared about the Trump administration, there seems to be strong domestic voices pushing for stronger co-operation with India. The India-specific amendment moved by Indian-origin representative Ami Behra to push for higher defense funding for India last month, is a positive sign. The larger geopolitical picture therefore places India well to benefit from defense co-operation.
