Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a move signaling strengthened ties between the two nations, India and the United States have signed a 10-year defense framework agreement. The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Secretary Hegseth announced the agreement on Friday, stating that the defense ties between the two countries "have never been stronger". He also posted on X, highlighting the enhanced coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation that the framework promotes.
Hegseth described the framework as "ambitious," noting it lays out a "roadmap for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead" for both militaries and underscores America's long-term commitment to shared security and a strong partnership. He also affirmed that the agreement advances the India-U.S. defense partnership, which he considers a "cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence".
The new 10-year framework aims to boost defense manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative, enhance military cooperation, and strengthen regional stability. Officials have indicated that the expanded military cooperation could include joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and potential technology transfers. It builds upon a foundation laid during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump, where the framework was identified as a key outcome.
The signing occurred on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), scheduled to begin on November 1. Earlier during the day, Secretary Hegseth also met with his Malaysian and Chinese counterparts. He conveyed to China's Defence Minister, Admiral Dong Jun, the U.S. commitment to defending its interests and maintaining the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, while voicing concerns about Chinese activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
Just days prior to this agreement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur, discussing bilateral relations, regional developments, and global challenges. This series of high-level interactions underscores the sustained diplomatic and strategic engagement between New Delhi and Washington.
During a phone conversation earlier in the year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary Hegseth finalized the decision on the defense framework, addressing key issues such as pending major U.S. defense sales to India and the need to deepen defense industrial cooperation.
