Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are set to sign a new 10-year defense framework aimed at strengthening the already robust defense cooperation between India and the United States. This framework will structure bilateral collaboration for the period of 2025-2035.
The agreement follows discussions and meetings between the two leaders, solidifying the commitment to the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. In February 2025, Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh had an introductory call where they agreed to pursue an ambitious agenda. This agenda aims to accelerate operational cooperation and defense industrial and technological collaboration to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth also expressed his anticipation for holding the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and finalizing the ten-year defense framework this year.
The new framework will likely encompass various aspects of defense cooperation, including technology cooperation, integration of defense industrial supply chains, enhanced interoperability, logistics and information sharing, and joint military exercises. Both countries have also agreed to enhance support for growing defense innovation collaboration between governments, start-ups, businesses, and academic institutions.
During a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. and India are mutually aware of regional security concerns and possess the ability to counter threats together. He stated the U.S. is eager to work alongside India to realize their shared goals. Jaishankar highlighted that defense cooperation between the two nations is a crucial pillar of the U.S.-India relationship.
Prior to Jaishankar's meeting with Hegseth, Rajnath Singh spoke with the U.S. Secretary of Defense and conveyed his appreciation for the U.S.'s support in India's fight against terrorism. He also expressed his eagerness to meet Hegseth soon.
Secretary Hegseth also noted the successful integration of numerous U.S. defense items into India's inventory. He expressed hope to finalize several major pending U.S. defense sales to India, expand shared defense industrial cooperation and co-production efforts, and strengthen interoperability between the forces of both nations.
The U.S. views India as a partner with similar values and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The signing of the 10-year defense framework will mark a significant step in solidifying the strategic alliance between the two countries and enhancing their ability to address shared security challenges.
