The relationship between the United States and India is strong and dynamic, founded on shared democratic values, strategic interests, robust economic ties, and a vibrant people-to-people connection.
Both the country leaders visit each other frequently to strengthen diplomatic relations and address key issues such as defence cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and trade agreements.
On February 24-25, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump even visited India, marking his first official trip to the country. He was welcomed with a grand rally in Ahmedabad, where he addressed a crowd of over 100,000 people at the Motera Stadium.
Additionally, the U.S. is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services crossing $150 billion in recent years. The two countries enjoy a robust defence partnership, highlighted by the U.S. designation of India as a "Major Defence Partner."
Moreover, in the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, Donald Trump emerged again as the winner, securing a second term in office. With Trump becoming the 47th president of the U.S., this will also have a significant influence on U.S.-India relations.
However, India and the US always had a strong relationship, regardless of the political climate. Therefore, in this article, we'll explore the agreements or pacts signed between India and the USA during Donald Trump's presidency.
List of Agreements Signed Between India and USA During Trump’s Presidency
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India signed various crucial agreements with the US during the Trump presidency back in 2019.
These agreements reflect a significant strengthening of defence ties between India and the US, focusing on military cooperation, technology transfer, and strategic alignment against common threats. The list includes:
| Agreement Name | Date Signed | Purpose |
| Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) | September 2018 | Enhances secure communication and interoperability between Indian and US armed forces. |
| Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) | October 2020 | Facilitates the sharing of geospatial intelligence, crucial for military operations. |
| Industrial Security Annex (ISA) | December 2019 | Establishes a framework for protecting classified information shared between US and Indian defence industries. |
| Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) | August 2016 (reinforced during Trump's term) | Facilitates access to military logistics support and services between the two countries. |
| $3 Billion Drone Deal for MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drones | July 2020 | India agreed to purchase 31 MQ-9B drones, enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. |
| MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters | April 2019 | Contract for 24 helicopters designed for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. |
| Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopters | September 2015 (finalised during Trump's term) | Purchase of advanced attack helicopters equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapon systems. |
| Chinook CH-47F Heavy-Lift Helicopters | September 2015 (finalised during Trump's term) | Acquisition of heavy-lift helicopters for transporting troops and equipment in challenging environments. |
| Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) | February 2020 (Estimated at $1.9 billion) | This system is designed to enhance India's air defence capabilities against various aerial threats. |
Source: Ministry of External Affairs
The total value of US defence sales to India during Trump's presidency was significant, contributing to a broader shift in India's defence procurement strategy away from reliance on Russian military hardware.
The Trump administration also elevated India to Strategic Trade Authorisation (STA-1) status, facilitating access to advanced technologies previously reserved for NATO allies.
These arms deals were part of a strategic partnership aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthening military interoperability between the two nations.
These agreements not only enhanced India's military capabilities but also solidified the US-India defence relationship as a cornerstone of regional security strategy during Trump's administration.
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