India and the US have signed a framework agreement to expand defence cooperation over the next ten years. The pact was announced after a meeting between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur.
The agreement will enhance coordination, information sharing and tech cooperation and advance regional stability and deterrence, Hegseth said on X.
It comes as the two countries are trying to close a trade deal and tide over tense ties after US President Donald Trump slapped 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil and arms.
The agreement is expected to provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US defence relationship. It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will 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 noted in a post on X.
Pramit Pal Chaudhuri of the Eurasia Group think tank mentioned that the agreement was initially planned for July-August this year, but India's irritation at Trump's comments regarding the conflict with Pakistan led to delays.
This pact follows a series of agreements that have facilitated greater interoperability between the two militaries, enabled India to access modern technology, and fostered collaboration within the defence sector. Chaudhuri emphasized, This provides for further potential in all three areas.
India and the US have consistently been ramping up their defence ties recently. Defence was a significant matter of discussion between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump during a visit to the US in February, where Trump pledged to increase military equipment sales to India, paving the way for potential deals including F-35 stealth warplanes.
However, India's ongoing reliance on discounted Russian oil and its historical defence relationship with Moscow continues to pose challenges for the Trump administration.
While Russia remains a major supplier of arms to India, its share in Indian defence imports has been diminishing as India looks to diversify its procurement and boost domestic capabilities.
Recent indications from India suggest a willingness to increase energy and defence purchases from the US to reconcile trade relations.
The two nations are currently engaged in high-stakes trade talks aimed at reaching a long-desired agreement by November.
