US and India Sign Landmark Security of Supply Arrangement to Bolster Defense Collaboration

Washington DC, USA: On August 22, 2024, a significant development in international defence relations occurred with the signing of a bilateral Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) between the Department of Defense (DoD) of the United States and the Ministry of Defence (IN MoD) of India. This non-binding agreement aims to fortify defence collaboration and enhance the resilience of supply chains between the two nations.

The SOSA was formalized by Dr Vic Ramdass, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, representing the U.S., and Mr Samir Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisitions), representing India. India’s Raksha Mantri Hails Enhanced US-India Defense Ties  

SOSA Agreement Enhances Mutual Defense Support  

During his visit to Washington on August 22, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and the U.S., emphasizing that the two nations are natural allies destined to bolster global peace and stability. He noted that India’s voice, once ignored at global forums, is now given significant weight. The Raksha Mantri referred to India’s transformation from being labelled one of the ‘Fragile Five’ by Morgan Stanley in 2014 to its current position among the ‘Fabulous Five’ economies.

The SOSA marks a crucial advancement in the U.S.-India Major Defense Partner relationship, as it enables reciprocal priority support for defence-related goods and services. This arrangement will allow both countries to address and mitigate unforeseen supply chain disruptions that could impact national security. By fostering such cooperation, the SOSA aims to ensure that both the U.S. and India can reliably support each other’s defence requirements in times of need.  

Dr. Ramdass described the SOSA as a pivotal element in strengthening the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). He expressed anticipation for the next DTTI meeting, which will focus on deepening cooperation and exploring bilateral co-development and co-production projects. This agreement represents a strategic step forward in enhancing the defence capabilities and collaboration between the two nations.  

Future Outlook and Strategic Importance of SOSA  

The SOSA agreement involves mutual commitments to prioritize delivery requests for critical defence resources. The U.S. will provide India with assurances under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), managed by the DoD and authorized by the Department of Commerce (DOC). In return, India will establish a Code of Conduct for its defence industry, ensuring that Indian firms make reasonable efforts to support U.S. priority requests.

This arrangement is part of a broader strategy to improve global defence supply chains and interoperability. SOSAs are vital for developing investment strategies to ensure supply chain redundancy and security. India’s inclusion as the eighteenth SOSA partner underscores its growing role in the global defence landscape, joining nations like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  

Historical Context of US-India Defense Agreements  

The SOSA builds on a foundation of previous agreements between India and the U.S., which have significantly enhanced their military cooperation. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed in August 2016 established procedures for logistical support. The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) signed in September 2018 facilitated interoperability and procurement of specialized communication equipment. The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) signed in October 2020 provided critical geospatial intelligence and enhanced India's defence capabilities.   

These agreements, including the latest SOSA, reflect a comprehensive approach to strengthening U.S.-India defence relations. They highlight the ongoing commitment of both nations to enhance strategic collaboration and ensure robust defence cooperation in an increasingly complex global security environment.