The United States and India have signed a 10-year defense framework agreement. The deal was announced after a meeting between US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur. Hegseth described the agreement as a milestone for regional stability and defense balance.
According to Hegseth, the deal will increase cooperation between the two countries’ militaries. It will enhance information sharing, technology exchange, and joint defense initiatives. He called it an important step toward deeper, more effective defense relations in the future.
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The meeting took place during the ASEAN Defense Summit. It comes after US frustration in August over India’s Russian oil purchases led to a 50% tariff on Indian goods. As a result, India temporarily paused its purchase of US defense equipment.
During the Kuala Lumpur meeting, both sides discussed revising defense procurement plans. Hegseth reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting India’s defense modernization. Both countries aim to strengthen bilateral military ties despite previous trade tensions.
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This agreement signals a significant shift in US-India defense cooperation. It reflects growing strategic alignment and mutual interest in regional security. Experts see it as a key step toward long-term military partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.