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In a major boost to defence ties, India and the US have signed a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement to deepen military cooperation, technology sharing, and strategic alignment. Here’s how the pact reshapes Indo-Pacific security.
India, US ink 10-year defence framework pact (Credit: Twitter)
New Delhi: In a landmark move set to redefine bilateral defence cooperation, India and the United States have signed a new 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, reinforcing their strategic, security, and technological partnership.
The agreement was inked by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
The new framework lays the foundation for deeper defence collaboration, focusing on joint production, logistics support, and technology transfer. Officials said the agreement will ensure long-term coordination and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.
This renewed pact is designed to enhance India’s defence capabilities and foster stronger strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region. The move comes at a time when regional tensions are rising due to China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.
According to defence sources, the agreement enables both nations to utilize each other’s bases, maintenance facilities, and logistics networks, facilitating faster operational cooperation and deployment.
I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-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. Our defense ties have never been… pic.twitter.com/hPmkZdMDv2
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 31, 2025
This was the first face-to-face meeting between Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth. Singh was earlier scheduled to visit Washington earlier this month, but the trip was postponed due to trade tensions following the US decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.
Despite these recent strains, both sides expressed optimism about rebuilding momentum in bilateral relations through enhanced defence cooperation.
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Following the signing, Hegseth posted on X saying, “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. Our defense ties have never been stronger.”
His remarks underscore the growing convergence of interests between the two democracies, particularly in ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
A key highlight of the agreement is its strategic relevance in countering China’s military and economic expansion. By strengthening military interoperability and intelligence sharing, the pact aligns with India’s Act East Policy and the US’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, emphasizing regional stability and freedom of navigation.
The deal also aims to deepen cooperation within the ASEAN security architecture, positioning India as a pivotal player in maritime security and disaster response operations in Southeast Asia.
Another crucial element of the 10-year pact is the emphasis on technology transfer and joint innovation. It secures long-term access to advanced US defence technologies, supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance)mission in defence manufacturing.
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The two nations will collaborate on next-generation defence projects, including unmanned systems, drones, artificial intelligence-based warfare systems, and cyber defence. Officials noted that the framework will also stimulate India’s defence export ecosystem, encouraging joint research and production initiatives.
The new Defence Framework Agreement marks a milestone in India-US relations, shifting the partnership from transactional to transformational. By combining India’s regional influence with America’s advanced technology and strategic resources, the pact aims to build a mutually reinforcing security architecture that supports peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
As both nations look ahead, this 10-year defence roadmap is expected to deepen trust, expand cooperation, and reaffirm India and the US as natural partners in global and regional security.
