The US State Department has approved a possible $131 million defence sale to India for maritime domain awareness equipment and software, amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
The proposed sale includes SeaVision software, technical training, remote analytical support, and logistics services. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the sale would enhance India’s maritime situational awareness and strategic capabilities.
The principal contractor will be Hawkeye 360, based in Herndon, Virginia.
"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness and related equipment for an estimated cost of $131 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today."
“This proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening ties with a key strategic partner in South Asia,” the DSCA said in a statement. “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
The agency added that the agreement would not alter the region’s military balance and would require no deployment of US personnel to India.
The announcement comes amid renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.
India blamed Pakistan for the assault, while Islamabad denied involvement.
Pakistan has raised concerns over the US-India agreement, warning it could embolden New Delhi's posture in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed these concerns during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging Washington to play a role in de-escalating tensions.
Sharif stressed that India’s “provocative moves” risk destabilising regional security and divert attention from Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism operations.
Pakistan's National Security Committee recently responded by restricting Indian diplomatic staff and reaffirming its position on the Indus Waters Treaty, which India has suspended in retaliation.
Despite the diplomatic strain, the US maintains that the deal is aimed at supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
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