On July 1, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a telephonic conversation to review defense ties and thank the US for its anti-terror support. During the conversation, the two leaders discussed a broad range of issues, from long-term cooperation in the defense sector to expanding industry collaboration, military exchanges, and training. They also agreed to build on the momentum of their mutually beneficial partnership, focusing on interoperability, defense industrial supply chain integration, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises, and cooperation with other like-minded partners.

Singh conveyed his appreciation for the unwavering support that the United States has extended to India in its fight against terrorism. He stated that Pakistan has a long track record of cross-border terrorism and has become a safe haven for internationally banned terrorists who enjoy immunity there. He also said that India reserves the right to respond and defend against terrorism and to pre-empt and deter any further cross-border attacks. Singh referred to India's actions during Operation Sindoor as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and focused on disabling terrorist infrastructure.

The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, reiterated the strong support of the United States for India's right to defend itself and in its fight against terrorism. He also extended his deepest condolences for the loss of life in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Singh also complimented Hegseth for his dynamic leadership, which has propelled defense cooperation between the US and India to new levels. Hegseth invited Singh to the US for an in-person meeting to take the bilateral defense partnership forward. Singh said that the discussions were held to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen the India-US defense partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building and that he looks forward to meeting the US Secretary of Defense at an early date.