The United States approved a possible sale of anti-submarine equipment to India on August 24. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has given the green light to a sale of sonar buoys and related equipment to India, estimated at $52.8 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of this proposed sale, which includes various types of sonar buoys and related technical support. The equipment is intended to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly for operations with its MH-60R helicopters.

A statement from the DSCA stressed the strategic importance of the sale, saying it would “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship.” The agency also stressed India’s role as a “major force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”

The proposed sale comes in the larger context of strengthening defense ties between the U.S. and India. During a recent four-day visit to the U.S., Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with key U.S. officials and visited naval facilities. Singh expressed optimism about the growing partnership, saying, “India and the U.S. look forward to working together and benefiting from each other’s experiences.”

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin echoed this sentiment and praised the momentum in US-India relations, saying, “We share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and our defense cooperation continues to grow stronger.” Austin also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand defense industrial relations between the two countries and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The visit also brought progress in other areas of defense cooperation. The two countries concluded a “security of supply” agreement aimed at resolving potential supply chain issues for national security. Vic Ramdass, a senior US defense official, called this agreement “a pivotal moment in the relationship between the US and India as a key defense partner,” according to ANI.

Although the sale of the sonar buoy is a significant development, officials assure that it will not upset the regional military balance. According to DSCA, India should have no difficulty integrating this equipment into its armed forces.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)