ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday recounted a personalinteraction with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a speech at theHouse GOP Member Retreat, claiming that Modi had directly approached him toexpress concerns over prolonged delays in the delivery of Apache attackhelicopters. Trump stated that India had been waiting five years for theequipment, emphasising his administration’s efforts to expedite theprocess. He described the exchange with a dramatic flourish, quoting Modias saying “Sir, may I see you please,” which underscored the urgency Indiaattached to bolstering its defence capabilities through American militaryhardware.
The remarks have sparked widespread discussion about the state of US-Indiadefence cooperation, a partnership that has grown significantly in recentyears amid shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Trumphighlighted the order for 68 Apache helicopters, portraying the delays asemblematic of broader inefficiencies in US defence production that affectboth domestic forces and key allies. However, official records indicatediscrepancies in the claimed figures, with India having procured only 28AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters in total across two separate deals,rather than the 68 mentioned.
India’s initial acquisition involved 22 Apache helicopters for the IndianAir Force under a 2015 contract valued at approximately $3.1 billion, withdeliveries completed between 2019 and 2021. A follow-on order for sixadditional units for the Indian Army Aviation Corps was signed in February2020 during Trump’s visit to India, valued at around $600-800 million. Thissecond batch faced substantial delays due to supply chain disruptions,technical issues including electrical generator problems, and priorityallocation challenges within the US defence system, pushing deliveries froman original mid-2024 timeline to July 2025 for the first three and December2025 for the final units.
Despite these setbacks, the helicopters represent a critical enhancement toIndia’s combat capabilities, particularly for operations in desert andborder terrains. The AH-64E model, equipped with advanced sensors, Hellfiremissiles, a 30mm chain gun, and the ability to integrate with unmannedaerial vehicles, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most formidableattack platforms. India’s persistence in pursuing the deal reflects itsbroader strategy to modernise its armed forces and diversify defencesources beyond traditional suppliers.
Trump’s narrative also tied into ongoing trade frictions between Washingtonand New Delhi. He acknowledged that Prime Minister Modi was “not thathappy” with him due to steep tariffs imposed on Indian goods, linked toIndia’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil amid theRussia-Ukraine conflict. The US has viewed such imports as indirectlysupporting Moscow’s economy, prompting tariff measures that have strainedbilateral economic ties. Trump suggested that India had reduced thesepurchases substantially in response, while defending the tariffs asnecessary leverage.
The speech served to illustrate Trump’s approach to foreign relations,blending personal anecdotes with policy advocacy for faster defencemanufacturing. By invoking his rapport with Modi, described as “very good,”Trump positioned himself as instrumental in resolving procurementbottlenecks. Yet, the exaggeration of order numbers and the dramatisedaccount of the meeting have drawn scrutiny, with some analyses pointing tofactual inaccuracies that could undermine the credibility of his claimsregarding US-India defence collaboration.
These developments occur against a backdrop of strengthened US-Indiastrategic alignment, including joint exercises, technology transfers, andinitiatives like the Quad framework. Defence trade between the two nationshas surged over the past decade, with India emerging as one of the largestbuyers of American military equipment. The Apache program exemplifies thistrend, though delivery timelines have tested patience in New Delhi andhighlighted challenges in global supply chains.
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Observers note that while delays were real and frustrating for India,particularly for the Army’s squadron raised in anticipation of thehelicopters, the full delivery by late 2025 marked a resolution to along-standing issue. Trump’s reference to the matter may reflect an attemptto showcase his influence in international defence deals, even as questionspersist about the accuracy of specific details shared.
Source:https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/trump-highlights-india-us-defence-cooperation-cites-apache-helicopter-delays/
Tags: United States, India, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, ApacheHelicopters, Defence Cooperation
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