In a significant move to bolster Indo-Pacific security, India and the United States have inked a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral military cooperation. The pact, signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, underscores a shared commitment to countering China’s expanding influence in the region.
“This will deepen our defence partnership, which is key to regional stability and security,” Hegseth stated on social media. “We’re improving coordination, sharing information, and expanding technology cooperation. Our defence ties have never been stronger.”
The agreement, the first of its kind between the two nations, focuses on three critical areas: strategic logistics, joint defence production, and technology sharing. This framework will enable smoother collaboration between the Indian and US armed forces, granting access to each other’s military bases, logistics, and maintenance support. For India, this means long-term access to advanced US defence technologies, a strategic advantage in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.
“Today’s signing will further strengthen the bond between our two countries,” Singh said after the agreement was formalised. “We have spoken three times over the phone before, and I’m glad to finally meet you in person.”
Beyond operational benefits, the pact is poised to enhance India’s defence exports and foster innovation through joint research and development. Areas of particular focus include drones and AI-driven warfare, where collaboration could accelerate technological advancements for both nations. The agreement also elevates India’s role within the ASEAN security structure, positioning it as a key player in regional peace and maritime cooperation.
The timing of this deal is significant, coming amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. By strengthening their defence ties, India and the US are sending a clear message of unity against China’s aggressive posturing in the region. The framework also reflects a broader shift in global defence partnerships, where nations are increasingly pooling resources to address shared security challenges.
This was the first in-person meeting between Singh and Hegseth, following a postponed trip by the Indian defence minister to Washington earlier this month due to tensions over US tariffs on Indian goods. Despite these diplomatic hurdles, the signing of the Defence Framework Agreement signals a renewed focus on strategic alignment, one that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific.