India in talks with US to buy, co-produce combat vehicles

India is reportedly in talks with the United States for the purchase and co-production of combat vehicles along with a fighter jet engine deal that the nations are finalising as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump this week.

India, the world’s largest arms importer, seeks to diversify its defence procurement sources. Traditionally reliant on Russia, India’s talks with the US comes amid President Trump’s call for a shift towards purchasing more US-manufactured security equipment to foster a “fair trading relationship” between the two nations.

According to a report, the focus of these discussions includes the potential co-production of Stryker combat vehicles, which are manufactured by General Dynamics and utilised by the US Army. In addition, India and the US are working towards concluding contract talks for the co-production of fighter jet engines within India, the report stated. This deal, agreed upon in 2023, marks a significant step in enhancing India’s defence capabilities.