Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is going on a four-day visit to America from today i.e. 23 August. His visit is considered very important to promote defense cooperation between India and America. America and India signed the Security Supply Arrangement (SOSA) on Thursday, while the Defense Minister is on a visit to America.
This agreement will help in the national security of both the countries
The agreement was signed between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India on August 22 during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the US. The agreement will help boost bilateral defence ties as well as meet the national security needs of both countries.
India and America benefit from the agreement
The US Department of Defense said that with this agreement, the US and India have agreed to provide assistance to each other for services that promote national security. This agreement allows the Department of Defense to contract with American companies. Under this agreement, both countries can provide each other with important goods, minerals and technology in times of need.
These countries signed SOSA before India
India is the 18th country to sign SOSA with the US. Earlier, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the UK have signed this agreement with the US.
Signature on Security of Supply Arrangement
According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, the MoU was signed by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Vik Ramdas on behalf of India and Additional Secretary and Director General Sameer Kumar Sinha on behalf of India.
Why is Rajnath Singh's US visit special?
The country's Prime Minister Modi is currently on a visit to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is on a 4-day US tour. His visit will begin on August 23. The purpose of Rajnath Singh's visit is to promote and strengthen defense cooperation between India and the US. Also, to strengthen partnerships with American defense companies. For this, Rajnath Singh will also meet US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Apart from this, he will also interact with the big giants of the American defense industry. This visit of Rajnath Singh will further strengthen India's defense.