iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
During the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a 10-year framework agreement for the U.S.-India major defense partnership, marking a new phase in the growing strategic relationship between the two countries.
The meeting took place on October 31 and included both delegation-level talks and a one-on-one discussion between the two leaders.
The talks focused on ongoing defense industry and technology collaborations, regional security challenges, and ways to expand cooperation amid a complex global security environment.
The new framework aims to guide the entire spectrum of the India-U.S. defense relationship, setting the direction for deeper cooperation over the next decade. It represents a unified vision to enhance coordination, technology sharing, and joint defense activities between the two nations.
Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the new agreement, writing on X, “It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership. Defence will remain as the major pillar of our bilateral relations. Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-bound Indo-Pacific region.”
During the talks, both leaders emphasized the growing importance of defense in shaping the broader India-U.S. relationship. Hegseth highlighted that India remains a top priority for the U.S. in defense cooperation and said his country is “committed to work closely with India to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Following the signing, Hegseth also posted, “We’re enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been stronger.”
Both countries agreed that defense will continue to serve as a cornerstone of their partnership, promoting stability and security across the Indo-Pacific. India and the U.S. are already collaborating through military exercises, technology partnerships, and defense coordination with regional and global allies.
The new decade-long framework sets the stage for a stronger, more integrated defense relationship that reinforces both nations’ shared commitment to peace, security, and strategic balance in the region.
Photo: x.com/SecWar