Ask Onix
US approves $92.8m in arms sales to India as defense ties deepen
The United States has greenlit two arms sales to India totaling $92.8 million, including Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur precision artillery rounds, the State Department announced Thursday. The move underscores growing defense cooperation nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Donald Trump pledged to expand strategic ties during a Washington summit.
Defense deals signal shift from Russian reliance
The approvals come as India diversifies its arms imports away from traditional supplier Russia, whose share of Indian defense purchases fell from 62% to 34% between 2017-2023. Meanwhile, U.S. defense trade with India has surged from near zero to $20 billion, positioning Washington as New Delhi's third-largest arms provider after Moscow and Paris.
Analysts note the shift aligns with Trump's reported push for India to reduce dependence on Russian weaponry, though tensions linger over U.S. tariffs-including a 25% penalty on Indian purchases of Russian oil and arms.
Details of the approved weaponry
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed a $45.7 million sale of Javelin Missile Systems, including 100 FGM-148 rounds, one "fly-to-buy" test missile, 25 launch units, and training/technical support. A separate $47.1 million deal covers 216 M982A1 Excalibur artillery projectiles, fire-control systems, and logistics.
The DSCA stated the equipment would "improve India's capability to meet current and future threats" while bolstering U.S. foreign policy goals in the Indo-Pacific, calling India a "key force for regional stability."
Strategic context amid trade negotiations
The sales coincide with ongoing U.S.-India trade talks, following months of friction after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. While tensions persist, officials suggest momentum is building toward a broader defense framework signed in October, which outlines 10 years of expanded cooperation.
The DSCA emphasized India's ability to "seamlessly integrate" the new systems, reflecting deepening interoperability between the two militaries.
The proposed sales will 'support U.S. national security objectives by strengthening the strategic relationship with India, an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific.'
U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency
