In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US counterpart Pete Hegseth signed a new 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, strengthening strategic and security cooperation between the two nations. The two leaders met in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US counterpart Pete Hegseth signed a new 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, strengthening strategic and security cooperation between the two nations. The two leaders met in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
The new India–US Defence Framework Agreement encompasses strategic logistics, joint production, and technology transfer as its core pillars.
It represents a significant push to counter China’s expanding influence across the Indo-Pacific region. The pact will deepen military interoperability, enabling the seamless use of each other’s bases, logistics, and maintenance facilities.
The agreement also secures long-term access to advanced defence technologies, crucial for India’s indigenous defence production and modernization. It strengthens the Indo-Pacific security architecture, signaling a united front against China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
Additionally, it boosts India’s defence exports and innovation ecosystem through joint research, development, and next-generation projects in drones and AI-based warfare. The deal further elevates India’s role within the ASEAN security framework, positioning it as a regional stabilizer and a preferred partner for maritime cooperation.
Notably, this is the first time Singh and Hegseth have met face-to-face. Singh was scheduled to visit Washington earlier this month, however, it was cancelled amid the tensions due to tariffs imposed by US.
US Defence Secretary Says ‘Ties Have Never Been Stronger’, After Meeting Rajnath Singh
Following the meeting, US defence secretary took to X and shared a picture with Rajnath Singh and said that the defence ties of India and the US have never been stronger.
“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 post read.
India-US Ties
The meeting comes amid recent strains in India-US relations, following Washington’s decision in August to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent. The US action was seen as a response to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude despite Western sanctions, but ties are now showing signs of recovery.
With Indian refiners scaling back Russian oil imports under new US sanctions, both nations view the upcoming ASEAN meet as a chance to rebuild trust and reinforce defence and economic cooperation.
