India is set to purchase approximately $428 million worth of military equipment and support systems from the United States, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Monday.
The defense package includes support and related systems for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777 A2 ultra-light howitzers. The weapons and equipment will be delivered to India in two separate phases, the statement said.
More than half of the total package — around $230 million — has been allocated for the M777 A2 ultra-light howitzer systems and associated services. These include spare parts, maintenance, training, technical assistance, field services, depot capability, logistics, and program support.
The remaining $198.2 million will be used for Apache helicopter-related equipment and support. However, the U.S. State Department did not specify how many helicopters are included in the deal.
India has historically relied heavily on Russia for military hardware since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947. Most of India’s defense imports over the decades have come from Moscow.
However, after returning to office for a second term in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly increased pressure on India to expand defense purchases from the United States, paving the way for the current agreement.
In its statement, the U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defense partner.”
The statement further described India as “an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”
According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the deal reflects growing defense cooperation between Washington and New Delhi amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
