India expands defence partnerships with US, South Korea and Vietnam

The United States has approved a $428 million foreign‑military‑sale package for India, covering sustainment support for AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters ($198 million) and long‑term logistics for M777A2 ultra‑light howitzers ($230 million). Boeing and Lockheed Martin will handle the Apache package, while BAE Systems will provide the howitzer support. The State Department said the sales aim to strengthen the U.S.–India strategic partnership and improve India’s defence readiness without altering the regional military balance.

During a three‑day tour, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu‑back in Seoul, discussing deeper cooperation, joint development programmes, cyber‑security collaboration and a memorandum on veterans’ affairs. He also chaired a business round‑table and visited the Indian War Memorial. The next day in Hanoi, Singh met President Tô Lâm and Defence Minister Phan Văn Giang, reaffirming India‑Vietnam defence ties, reviewing maritime security, AI and quantum‑technology MoUs, and pledging continued support under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Together, these moves signal a coordinated effort by India to broaden its defence relationships across the Indo‑Pacific.