US, India Sign 10-Year Defence Framework to Boost Strategic Partnership

In a major step toward deepening defence cooperation, the United States and India on Friday signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a new chapter in their strategic partnership.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the deal on X, saying he met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to formalize the framework. Hegseth said the agreement strengthens the “cornerstone of regional stability and deterrence,” underscoring that “our defence ties have never been stronger.”

“We’re enhancing our coordination, information sharing, and technological cooperation,” he added, calling the framework “ambitious” and a roadmap for deeper military collaboration between the two nations.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, held alongside the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

Expressing gratitude to Singh, Hegseth said, “It’s one of the most consequential US-India relationships in the world. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, mutual trust, and a commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

Rajnath Singh’s participation in the ASEAN meetings comes amid heightened engagement between New Delhi and Washington. Just days earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marcon Rubio at the ASEAN East Asia Summit, discussing bilateral ties and global challenges.

These developments come as both countries continue negotiations on a trade deal, amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods over its Russian oil imports.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently said India will not rush into any trade agreements, emphasizing that New Delhi seeks “fair and equitable” partnerships built on trust and sustainability rather than short-term gains.