Turkish President Erdogan's visit to the White House aims to repair strained US-Turkey relations through potential $50 billion in deals, including military and energy contracts, seeking to strengthen Turkey's role in the Western alliance and boost its economy amid regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the defense agreements reached with Germany and France, which include the supply of military equipment and technology. The deals are seen as a significant step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting France to strengthen ties and discuss defense deals, including the purchase of three more Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale jets. The visit marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries, and the new military deals will further enhance their defense cooperation. Both India and France have deep interests in the Indian Ocean and share concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the region. The visit comes after President Joe Biden offered critical military technology to India during Modi's recent state visit to the United States.
India's recent multi-billion-dollar defense deals with the United States are not indicative of a shift away from its reliance on Russian arms, but rather a push towards developing its own domestic weapons industry. While India aims to reduce dependence on Russia, stringent US rules governing the sharing of military technology limit future possibilities. India continues to rely on both Russia and the US for defense systems as it seeks to counter China. The country's resolve to become less dependent on Russia is reinforced by delays in deliveries of Russian weapons and equipment. India is pursuing a balancing act, seeking cooperation with the West while maintaining its historically close defense ties with Russia.
The US and India have announced several defense cooperation initiatives during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit, including deals worth billions in industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. However, concerns have been raised by government officials and activists about the Modi administration's human rights record, with approximately 70 Democratic lawmakers urging the Biden administration to make human rights a centerpiece of the week's negotiations. The recent agreements build on decades of summits and signings, with both countries drawn together by overlapping strategic concerns and growing economic incentives.