India, US Discuss Ways to Boost Collaboration in Defense Tech
India and the US have engaged in discussions regarding the enhancement of cooperation in essential and innovative defense technologies to address the changing demands, during a significant gathering held at the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting in New Delhi, facilitated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The meeting was jointly led by Chandrika Kaushik, Director General of Production Coordination and Services Interaction at DRDO, and Michael Francis Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies at the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, as stated by the defense ministry.
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Reports state that the plenary session was carried out in accordance with the strategic vision and policy directives outlined in the agreement for the India-US Major Defense Partnership, which was signed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in October 2025.
The delegations conducted a comprehensive review of the current partnership in defense science and technology, engaging in discussions on the related obstacles and evaluating suggestions to enhance cooperation in essential and developing defense technologies to address changing needs, as stated by the ministry.
Additionally, the conversations also centered around increasing the involvement of university-affiliated research centers, defense laboratories, and industries in collaborative research and development endeavors.
Furthermore, the meeting delved into the possibility of cooperation between the DRDO and the Defence Innovation Unit within the Innovation Bridge framework, culminating in the execution of a project agreement, as stated by the ministry.
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The conference consisted of the involvement of experienced leaders, researchers, and skilled professionals from various institutions and laboratories affiliated with the US Department of Defense and the Department of State, as well as DRDO scientists and officials from India’s tri-Services, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and the National Security Council Secretariat.
This plenary meeting serves to strengthen the cooperative endeavors between India and the US in the field of military innovation while also emphasizing a common outlook on the future of defense technologies.
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In light of the changing landscape of global security challenges, these partnerships play a vital role in ensuring that both countries maintain a leading position in defense advancements.