The Pentagon has stated that the relationship between India and the United States is progressing positively and that both nations are particularly focused on enhancing military interoperability. According to the website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the defence collaboration has grown to be a key tenet of the India-US strategic alliance. More bilateral exercises are now carried out between the two nations than they do with any other nation. The total cost of US Defense's acquisitions for the military has surpassed USD 13 billion.
At a news conference on Thursday, Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig Gen Pat Ryder told reporters, "It's a partnership that we look forward to continuing to enhance, and particularly focused on the interoperability between our two forces." In answer to a query, he replied, "So, I think it's headed in the correct direction.
The US recognised India as a "Major Defence Partner" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June 2016, according to the MEA website. This designation binds the US to support industry collaboration for defence co-production and co-development as well as technology sharing with India at a level comparable to that of its closest allies and partners.