India Joins Elite Group of US Defense Partners with Signing of SOSA Agreement

Manish Shukla:

In a significant development, India has become the 18th country to sign a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) with the United States, joining an exclusive group of defense trade partners. This agreement underscores the growing importance of India in the US defense supply chain and paves the way for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

Under the SOSA, Indian firms will voluntarily commit to providing priority support to the US, ensuring a seamless supply chain for the Department of Defense (DoD). This arrangement institutionalizes working groups, establishes communication mechanisms, streamlines DoD processes, and proactively addresses potential supply chain issues in peacetime, emergency, and armed conflict.

The SOSA is a vital tool for the DoD to strengthen interoperability with its defense trade partners, particularly in an expanding global supply chain. It also facilitates the development of investment strategies to ensure redundancy and security.

Dr. Vic Ramdass, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, represented the United States, while Samir Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisitions), signed on behalf of the IN MoD.

“This Security of Supply Arrangement represents a pivotal moment in the U.S. – India Major Defense Partner relationship and will be a key factor in strengthening the U.S. – India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI),” said Dr. Ramdass. 

India’s entry into the SOSA fold marks a significant milestone in its defense relationship with the US, joining other prominent partners like Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, and the United Kingdom. This agreement is expected to further boost bilateral defense ties and enhance India’s role as a key player in the global defense landscape.