New Delhi: India and the United States have signed a landmark 10-year defence cooperation framework, setting the stage for deeper military coordination, technology collaboration, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
The agreement was finalised during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Peter Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ meet.
The long-term pact aims to guide defence ties across all areas, from intelligence exchange and operational coordination to advanced technology cooperation and industry partnerships. Officials from both sides described the framework as a foundation for a stronger and more resilient security partnership in a rapidly evolving regional environment.
Had a fruitful meeting with my US counterpart @SecWar Peter Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur. We signed the 10 years ‘Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership’. This will usher in a new era in our already strong defence partnership.
This Defence Framework will provide policy… pic.twitter.com/IEP6Udg9Iw
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 31, 2025
Defence Architecture in Indo-Pacific
Rajnath Singh called the meeting productive and said the new framework will set policy direction for the entire defence relationship. According to him, the pact signals growing strategic convergence between the two democracies at a time when the Indo-Pacific faces intensified geopolitical competition.
Singh noted that defence cooperation remains a major pillar of India-US ties and said the new framework will shape the next decade of collaboration.
Hegseth echoed similar views, emphasising that defence ties between the two nations are now at their strongest. He highlighted enhanced coordination, information sharing, and joint technology efforts as core features of the pact, calling it essential to maintaining regional stability and deterrence.
The deal comes amid complex trade negotiations and recent friction over US tariffs on Indian exports and penalties linked to New Delhi’s energy purchases from Russia. Washington had imposed steep duties on Indian goods and expressed concerns over India continuing to buy discounted Russian oil and arms. Despite that, both sides have pushed to protect the momentum of their strategic relationship, especially on defence.
I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Framework.
This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.
We’re enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been… pic.twitter.com/hPmkZdMDv2
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 31, 2025
Expanding Defence Landscape
In recent years, India and the US have signed a series of foundational agreements enabling communication security, geospatial intelligence sharing, and logistics support. These deals have allowed more joint exercises, greater access to technology, and improved coordination between the two armed forces.
Washington has also indicated interest in expanding defence equipment sales to India, including advanced systems. While Russia remains a key supplier for India, its share in India’s defence imports has declined as New Delhi diversifies and enhances domestic manufacturing.
