NATIONAL DEFENCE AUTHORISATION ACT (NDAA) 2026 OF US AND INDIA

NEWS

• The US released the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2026, outlining defence priorities for the Indo-Pacific.
• The bill reflects a growing alignment between India and the US amid increasing strategic competition with China.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE NDAA 2026 RELATED TO INDIA

Strengthening Defence Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

• Congress expresses support for expanding alliances to enhance the US comparative advantage vis-à-vis China.
• Calls for deepening cooperation with regional partners, especially India.

Broadening Engagement with India

• Enhanced collaboration through the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia).
• Focus areas:
  • Bilateral and multilateral military exercises
  • Expanded defence trade
  • Humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR) cooperation
  • Maritime security coordination

Focus on Maritime Security

• Provisions aim to support India’s role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering China’s assertive naval posture.

 DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL BASE COOPERATION

New Security Initiative

• The US Defence and State Departments will establish a mechanism to:
  • Strengthen cooperation among defence industries of partner nations
  • Improve supply chain resilience
  • Enhance interoperability and capacity-building

Key Partners Identified

• Countries eligible to join the initiative include:
  • India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines, New Zealand

 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR INDIA–US DIALOGUE

• The bill proposes creating a joint consultative mechanism under the US–India Strategic Security Dialogue.
• Aims to facilitate regular high-level exchanges on defence and strategic issues.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA

• Reinforces India’s position as a critical defence partner in the Indo-Pacific.
• Expands opportunities in defence trade, technology cooperation, and maritime capabilities.
• Strengthens India’s strategic leverage against China.