India and the United States have signed a landmark 10-year defence framework agreement to deepen military cooperation, expand joint production, and strengthen strategic ties. Signed in Kuala Lumpur by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary Pete Hegseth, the pact aims to boost Indo-Pacific security and advance India’s defence manufacturing goals.

In a major step towards expanding defence and strategic cooperation, India and the United States have signed a decade-long framework agreement that sets the tone for the next phase of their military partnership. The pact reflects the growing alignment between New Delhi and Washington on regional stability and security priorities. Signed in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting, the agreement was formalised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Both leaders hailed it as a milestone that will guide India-US defence collaboration across technology, production, and strategic engagement for the next ten years.

Stronger Defence Partnership

The 10-year framework provides a roadmap to expand military exercises, enhance information-sharing mechanisms, and encourage joint manufacturing and research. It builds on previous defence agreements and pushes forward initiatives focused on co-production, logistics support, and innovation. The pact also opens more opportunities for private sector involvement, especially in advanced technologies and high-end systems. Officials have emphasised that this partnership will allow both militaries to achieve better interoperability and preparedness for emerging security challenges.

Focus on Technology and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

A key highlight of the agreement is its focus on technology transfer and joint development projects, aligning with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” missions. Both countries reiterated their shared goal of ensuring a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region. The pact will enable closer coordination on maritime security, cyber defence, and intelligence sharing. It also reinforces the two nations’ joint resolve to maintain peace and stability across key sea routes and balance the increasing geopolitical pressures in Asia.

Strengthening Strategic Alignment

The timing of the agreement is significant, as it comes amid shifting global alliances and regional tensions. For India, the pact provides access to advanced technologies, increased defence investment, and stronger integration into global supply chains. For the United States, it strengthens ties with a key democratic partner capable of contributing to a balanced power equation in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts believe the agreement signals a clear strategic trust between the two nations that extends beyond defence into broader political and economic cooperation.

The 10-year defence framework marks a defining moment in India-US relations, transforming their engagement from limited collaboration to a long-term strategic commitment. By combining shared interests with industrial cooperation, the pact lays the groundwork for a modern, technology-driven, and resilient security partnership that could shape the future of Indo-Pacific stability for years to come.