India and US sign new 10-year defence pact to deepen strategic and security cooperation

India and the United States on Friday signed anew 10-year defence framework agreement, reaffirming their commitment to a stronger strategic partnership and regional stability. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth formalised the pact for the “US-India Major Defence Partnership” after comprehensive talks in Kuala Lumpur that spanned the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

- MPOST BUREAU

The agreement comes as both nations seek to rebuild strained trade relations following Washington's imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, which pushed ties to their lowest level in nearly two decades. The framework replaces the earlier accord signed in 2015, which was due to expire this year, and aims to set a long-term vision for defence collaboration.

Singh described the signing as a “signal of growing strategic convergence” between the two democracies. “This defence framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US defence relationship,’ he said in a social media post. “It will herald a new decade of partnership and ensure that defence remains a major pillar of our bilateral ties. Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-bound Indo-Pacific region”

Hegseth echoed similar sentiments, calling the framework “a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence” “We're enhancing our coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation. Our defence ties have never been stronger,’ he said after the signing.