In a major step toward bolstering bilateral defence cooperation, India and the United States on Thursday signed a 10-year U.S.-India Defence Framework Agreement, aimed at enhancing military collaboration and ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The agreement was exchanged in Kuala Lumpur between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, marking a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Expressing his gratitude to Minister Singh, Secretary Hegseth said, “I want to express gratitude to Minister Singh for the partnership we have with India. It’s one of those consequential U.S.-India relationships in the world. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, mutual trust, and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

He described the new framework as “ambitious,” highlighting it as a roadmap for deeper and more meaningful collaboration between the two militaries. “This 10-year U.S.-India Defence Framework is a significant step for our two militaries. It underscores America’s long-term commitment to our shared security and our strong partnership,” Hegseth added.

The agreement is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in areas such as joint military exercises, defence technology sharing, logistics, and maritime security. It also reinforces the strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S.-India defence partnership, which has grown steadily over the past two decades, continues to be a cornerstone of both countries’ efforts to promote peace, stability, and resilience in the region.

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