10-Year US and India Defence Agreement Strengthens Military Partnership, Technology Exchange, and Indo-Pacific Security

In a landmark move to deepen strategic collaboration, the United States signed a 10-year Defence Framework with India on Friday, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral military and security relations. The agreement was announced by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who described it as evidence that “defence ties have never been stronger” between the two nations.

Hegseth shared on X that he met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to formalize the framework, emphasizing that the partnership will “advance regional stability and deterrence.” He added, “We’re enhancing our coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation. Our defence ties have never been stronger.”

Expressing gratitude to Rajnath Singh, Hegseth called the US-India relationship one of the most consequential in the world, rooted in mutual trust and a shared vision for a “secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” He further described the 10-year Defence Framework as “ambitious,” laying out a roadmap for deeper cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

“It underscores America’s long-term commitment to our shared security and our strong partnership,” Hegseth said.

The signing took place during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) on November 1. Rajnath Singh, who announced his participation earlier, said the session aims to enhance defence and security cooperation among ASEAN member states and promote India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

The meeting between Singh and Hegseth followed recent high-level talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marcon Rubio during the ASEAN East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Jaishankar said they discussed bilateral relations and key regional and global challenges.

These diplomatic engagements come at a crucial time, as India and the US continue negotiations over a trade deal amid renewed tensions stemming from President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports in response to its oil trade with Russia.

At the East Asia Summit earlier this week, Jaishankar voiced India’s concerns about tightening energy trade and supply chain disruptions. Calling for a global commitment to “zero tolerance for terrorism,” he urged nations to address conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine that have impacted food and energy security.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed that India will not rush into any trade agreements that compromise its interests. “Trade deals are not just about tariffs; they’re about building long-term trust and sustainable cooperation,” Goyal said, adding that India and the US continue to work toward a fair and balanced agreement.

With the 10-year Defence Framework between the US and India, both nations have now reinforced their commitment to shared defence goals, regional peace, and a future of collaborative strength in the Indo-Pacific region.

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