NEW DELHI: India and the United States have signed an agreement for New Delhi to acquire Javelin anti-tank missile systems, marking another step in defence cooperation between the two countries despite recent strains in their broader relationship.
The agreement was signed by the Indian Army, according to the US Embassy in India. No financial details of the deal were disclosed.
The Javelin is a medium-range guided anti-tank missile system developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and RTX. It is designed to engage a variety of targets, including armoured vehicles.
The system is already used by the US military and several other countries, making the agreement another addition to India’s expanding inventory of advanced Western defence equipment.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the deal could open the door to wider cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries.
He said Washington sees significant potential for future collaboration aimed at strengthening the defence industrial capabilities of both nations.
Indian authorities had not immediately issued a public statement on the agreement.
The deal comes as India and the US seek to maintain their longstanding defence partnership despite difficulties in their wider economic and diplomatic relationship.
Washington has recently imposed higher tariffs on Indian imports and taken measures related to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. At the same time, the United States has increased diplomatic engagement with Pakistan.
Despite these developments, defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi has continued.
The two countries signed a 10-year defence framework agreement in October, providing a broader basis for military cooperation.
India remains one of the world’s largest military powers and defence spenders. It has also been among the biggest international buyers of military equipment as it works to modernise its armed forces.
The acquisition of Javelin systems is expected to strengthen the Indian Army’s anti-armour capabilities and further deepen military-technology cooperation between India and the United States.
The agreement also reflects Washington’s continued effort to expand defence-industrial ties with New Delhi, even as both sides navigate disagreements over trade, energy and India’s relations with Russia.
