Kuala Lumpur, Oct 31: India and the United States have signed a landmark 10-year framework agreement to expand defence cooperation, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.
The pact was announced following a meeting between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
According to Secretary Hegseth, the framework will enhance coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation between the two militaries, with the goal of advancing regional stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
“This framework will serve as a cornerstone for a new era of cooperation between our nations’ armed forces,” Hegseth wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The agreement comes as New Delhi and Washington continue efforts to resolve trade differences and improve relations strained by US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty on India’s purchases of Russian oil and arms.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the agreement as “a signal of our growing strategic convergence,” saying it would “herald a new decade of partnership.”
“Defence will remain a major pillar of our bilateral relations. Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region,” Singh said in a post on X.
Growing Defence Ties
Analysts say the framework will serve as a policy roadmap guiding the entire spectrum of India–US defence relations over the next decade.
According to Pramit Pal Chaudhuri of the Eurasia Group, the deal had been expected earlier this year but was delayed after India took exception to remarks by President Trump regarding his alleged role in mediating the conflict with Pakistan.
“The agreement builds upon a series of prior defence accords that have made it easier for the two militaries to achieve interoperability, for India to access US technology, and for defence sectors on both sides to collaborate,” Chaudhuri said, noting that the new pact “opens further potential in all three areas.”
Strategic Realignment
India and the US have steadily ramped up their defence ties in recent years. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February, Trump announced plans to expand military sales to India “by many billions of dollars,” including the prospect of supplying F-35 stealth fighter jets.
However, tensions have persisted over India’s continued reliance on Russian oil and arms, even as New Delhi seeks to diversify its defence imports and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Russia remains one of India’s largest defence suppliers, but its share of Indian imports has been steadily declining in recent years. India has also signaled a willingness to increase defence and energy purchases from the United States.
Trade Talks on the Horizon
The signing of the framework agreement comes as both nations push to finalize a long-awaited trade deal by November, which could help ease tariffs and expand market access in key sectors.
Observers say the defence pact adds new momentum to the broader India–US strategic relationship, aligning both nations’ interests in maintaining a free and stable Indo-Pacific amid rising global tensions.
