A U.S. delegation is set to visit India from September 16-19 to finalize a $4 billion deal for six additional P-8I maritime aircraft, enhancing India’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities amidst rising regional security threats from China and Pakistan. The acquisition reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its defense infrastructure and achieving greater self-reliance in defense technology, with the deal anticipated to include training and maintenance support. This negotiation could signify a pivotal moment in U.S.-India defense relations, emphasizing their strategic partnership in ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean region against emerging military challenges.