The United States has approved a potential $131 million defence sale to India to bolster its maritime domain awareness, amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the deal on Thursday, emphasising its alignment with Washington’s foreign policy and strategic goals in South Asia.
The proposed sale includes SeaVision software, technical training, remote analytical support, logistics services, and related equipment designed to strengthen India’s maritime situational awareness and strategic naval capabilities. The principal contractor for the deal will be Hawkeye 360, a US-based satellite and radio frequency data analytics firm headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.
“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. It added that the package would enhance India’s capabilities without altering the military balance in the region and would require no deployment of US personnel to India.
The agreement comes at a sensitive time, following India’s accusation that Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. Islamabad has strongly denied the allegations and described the incident as a "false flag operation." Tensions have since escalated, with India unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours taking a hostile turn.