Major USA-India Agreements Signed During Trump’s Tenure

The relationship between the United States and India is strong and vibrant, built on shared democratic values, strategic interests, strong economic ties, and vibrant people-to-people ties.

Leaders of the two countries exchange frequent visits to strengthen diplomatic ties and address key issues such as defense cooperation, counterterrorism efforts and trade agreements.

US President Donald Trump even visited India on February 24-25, 2020, his first official visit to the country. He was welcomed by a huge rally in Ahmedabad and addressed more than 100,000 people at the Motera Stadium.

In addition, the United States is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services exceeding US$150 billion in recent years. The two countries share a strong defense partnership, highlighted by the United States’ designation of India as a “major defense partner.”

In addition, in the 2024 US presidential election, Donald Trump won again and was re-elected. As Trump becomes the 47th President of the United States, this will also have a major impact on U.S.-India relations.

However, India and the United States have always maintained a strong relationship regardless of the political climate. So, in this article, we will look at the agreements or pacts signed between India and the United States during the tenure of Donald Trump’s presidency.

List of agreements signed between India and the US during Trump’s presidency

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India signed a number of important agreements with the United States during Trump’s presidency in 2019.

The agreements reflect a significant strengthening of defense ties between India and the United States, focusing on military cooperation, technology transfer and strategic alliances against common threats. The list includes:

Protocol name

Signing date

Purpose

Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)

September 2018

Enhance secure communications and interoperability between Indian and U.S. armed forces.

Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)

October 2020

Facilitate the sharing of geospatial intelligence critical to military operations.

Industrial Safety Attachment (ISA)

December 2019

Establish a framework to protect classified information shared between the U.S. and Indian defense industries.

Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)

August 2016 (strengthened during Trump’s term)

Facilitate access to military logistical support and services between the two countries.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone in $3 billion drone deal

July 2020

India agreed to purchase 31 MQ-9B drones to enhance surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

MH-60R Seahawk helicopter

April 2019

Contract for 24 helicopters designed for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions.

Apache AH-64E attack helicopter

September 2015 (done during Trump’s term)

Purchase an advanced attack helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems.

Chinook CH-47F heavy helicopter

September 2015 (done during Trump’s term)

Procurement of heavy-lift helicopters for transporting troops and equipment in challenging environments.

Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS)

February 2020 (estimated $1.9 billion)

The system is designed to enhance India’s air defense capabilities against various aerial threats.

source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The total value of U.S. arms sales to India during Trump’s presidency was huge, contributing to a broader shift in India’s defense procurement strategy away from reliance on Russian military hardware.

The Trump administration has also elevated India to Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status, giving it access to advanced technologies previously reserved for NATO allies.

These arms deals are part of a strategic partnership aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and enhancing military interoperability between the two countries.

These agreements not only enhance India’s military capabilities but also solidify the US-India defense relationship, making it a cornerstone of regional security strategy during the Trump administration.