US-India sign key security agreement, marking milestone in defense cooperation

US and Indian officials sign the Security Supply Agreement (SOSA). (Source: X)

According to the new agreement, both India and the US will enjoy special priority in the procurement of emergency security equipment in special situations to meet national security needs, the Hindustan Times reported.

This ensures that both countries can quickly access vital defense resources when needed.

Specifically, the US committed to providing India with assurances under the US Defense Allocation and Priorities System (DPAS).

In response, India will establish a government -industry code of conduct, under which Indian companies will voluntarily agree to make every effort to provide priority assistance to the US in exceptional circumstances.

US officials have hailed the agreement as a key addition to the defence partnership between the two countries. The SOSA is expected to further strengthen the existing Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) between India and the US.

The agreement was signed during Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the United States. The ministry stressed that the visit will contribute to further deepening and expanding the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

India is the 18th SOSA partner of the US after Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the UK.