US, India sign pact on defense supply security

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US and India have signed a non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) to ensure the provision of goods and services critical to national security.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, will allow both countries to acquire necessary industrial resources from each other to address unexpected supply chain disruptions that could affect national security, according to the US Department of Defense.

"This pact marks a pivotal moment in the US-India major defense partnership and will significantly bolster the US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative," said Vic Ramdass, a US Department of Defense official.

India is now the 18th country to become a SOSA partner with the US, joining others like Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the UK.

India is a key ally of the US, with the two nations having upgraded their ties to a comprehensive global strategic partnership.