India signs a SOSA and an MOU with the US, aimed at solidifying their defence partnership

India and the U.S. have enhanced their defence partnership by signing a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement for the Assignment of Liaison Officers. These agreements were highlighted during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the U.S. in August 2024. They are part of the broader 2023 US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, which includes joint projects on jet engines, unmanned systems, munitions, and ground mobility technologies.

SOSA facilitates mutual priority support between India and the U.S. for defence-related goods and services, aiming to counter supply chain disruptions. Although it is not legally binding, it promotes collaboration, cooperation, and interoperability in defence trade. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defence is finalizing a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement with India to standardize and streamline defence equipment procurement, enhancing the strategic partnership.

Historically, India and the U.S. have reinforced their defence ties through significant agreements, like the 2013 Joint US-India Declaration on Defence Cooperation and the 2015 Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship. The 2023 defence roadmap introduced SOSA and the RDP Agreement, helping integrate Indian defence industries into global supply chains and improving naval and maritime infrastructure for maintenance in the Indo-Pacific.

In January 2023, discussions under the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) emphasized improved defence industrial collaboration, co-development, and co-production. The launch of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) in June 2023 further advanced innovation and deeper defence cooperation, underscoring a commitment to building a strong defence innovation bridge.