India and the United States have officially embarked on a new phase of their relationship with the signing of a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement. This landmark pact aims to significantly enhance military cooperation and solidify strategic ties between the two nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heralded this agreement as the dawn of a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.
The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its signing comes at a time when both India and the US are managing a delicate trade environment, particularly with the recent imposition of tariffs by Washington still impacting ongoing trade discussions.
‘Stronger Than Ever’ Partnership
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed optimism about the framework, stating it would foster deeper coordination between the two armed forces through improved information sharing, technological collaboration, and joint operational planning.
Hegseth highlighted on X, “I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year US-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.”
He further described the framework as an ambitious roadmap for enhanced collaboration, underscoring America’s enduring commitment to mutual security and a stable, prosperous Indo-Pacific region. “It’s one of the most consequential US-India relationships in the world. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, mutual trust, and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth added.
India Welcomes a ‘New Era’
Following the signing, Rajnath Singh characterized the framework as a pivotal moment for the military relationship between India and the US. “Had a fruitful meeting with my US counterpart. We signed the 10-year ‘Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership’. This will usher in a new era in our already strong defence partnership,” Singh stated.
He emphasized that the agreement would provide strategic direction for defense cooperation across all domains, reinforcing defense as a crucial pillar of the India-US alliance. Singh concluded, “Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.”
Trade Negotiations Continue
This significant defense pact is being finalized during a period of pause in India-US trade talks. The current trade climate is influenced by recent tariff adjustments made by the US, a response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
While the defense relationship strengthens, trade representatives from both nations are actively working to resolve outstanding issues. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently indicated that India is committed to a measured approach in trade negotiations, prioritizing terms that do not compromise its sovereign decisions.
“Trade deals are not just about tariffs – they’re about building trust and long-term cooperation,” Goyal remarked, affirming that discussions are ongoing with Washington to achieve a “fair and equitable” trade agreement.