U.S.-India Arms Deal Announced Amid Indo-Pacific Security Concerns

The United States has approved a possible $131 million arms sale to India for furtherance of India's maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Announced by the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on April 30, 2023 the arms sale includes SeaVision software being sold to India, training and support services are also part of the deal to enhance India's assessment of maritime threats. Virginia based Hawkeye 360 will be the prime contractor, and it will not require U.S. military personnel deployment.

The DSCA stated the sale will strengthen the U.S.-India strategic partnership and regional security, but noted that it will not change the military balance. The announcement follows an increase in tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack April 22 in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir that India attributed to Pakistan, without evidence.

In reaction to the attack in Pahalgam, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, withdrew all Pakistani visas, and shut down the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized India's actions as "provocative," dismissed accusations of Pakistani involvement, and called for an impartial investigation. He made reference to Pakistan's sacrifices in the name of counterterrorism, stating it has loss more than 90,000 lives and $152 billion in economic loss since 2001.

During his call to PM Sharif, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraged both countries to de-escalate tensions. The U.S. has quietly become a mediator while building defense ties with India, given U.S. Indo-Pacific strategic interests.