In a landmark move to deepen strategic cooperation, India and the United States signed a 10-year defence framework on Friday, reinforcing their shared commitment to Indo-Pacific stability. The announcement was made by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who met India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur. The long-term pact aims to enhance joint operations, information exchange, and technology collaboration between the two nations — a partnership described as “stronger than ever” under the India US 10-Year Defence Framework.
A Stronger Strategic Partnership
During the meeting, Hegseth called the India US 10-Year Defence Framework “ambitious” and a “cornerstone for regional security and deterrence.” He said the deal reflects Washington’s long-term commitment to New Delhi and the Indo-Pacific region.
Expressing gratitude to Rajnath Singh, Hegseth emphasized, “This partnership is built on mutual trust, shared interests, and a collective goal for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” The two leaders met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting. Singh also highlighted that India’s participation in these meetings aligns with its Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening defence and security cooperation with ASEAN member states.
Diplomatic Context And Trade Talks
The signing of the India US 10-Year Defence Framework comes amid a series of high-level India-US diplomatic interactions. Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marcon Rubio at the ASEAN East Asia Summit, where they discussed regional issues and bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, trade talks between India and the US continue following tensions over President Donald Trump’s decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods due to its Russian oil imports. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed that India “will not sign any trade deal in haste” and that agreements must reflect mutual trust and fairness.
Together, these developments underline the growing depth of India-US engagement from defence to trade unified by the long-term vision outlined in the India US 10-Year Defence Framework.
FAQs
Q: What is the India US 10-Year Defence Framework?
A: The India US 10-Year Defence Framework is a strategic agreement to strengthen defence, technology, and security cooperation between both countries.
Q: Who signed the India US 10-Year Defence Framework?
A: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed the India US 10-Year Defence Framework in Kuala Lumpur.
Q: Why is the India US 10-Year Defence Framework significant?
A: It reinforces the Indo-Pacific partnership, enhances military collaboration, and ensures regional stability between India and the US.
Q: Are India and the US also in trade talks?
A: Yes, both countries are negotiating a fair and sustainable trade agreement alongside their defence cooperation.
