India, U.S. Sign 10-Year Defence Framework Pact

India and the United States have taken another major step in strengthening their defence ties. On October 31, 2025, both countries signed a 10-year framework agreement to boost cooperation in defence and security. The new pact is expected to shape the future of the India-U.S. strategic partnership and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Where was the Agreement Signed?

The agreement was finalized during a meeting between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Both ministers described their discussions as “fruitful” and said the agreement would open a new chapter in the already strong defence relationship between India and the U.S.

An Overview of the 10-Year Framework

The new Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership will guide cooperation between the two nations for the next decade. It aims to strengthen ties in areas such as:

• Military coordination and joint exercises
• Defence technology sharing and innovation
• Information and intelligence exchange
• Defence industry collaboration
• Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region

According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the framework will “provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-U.S. Defence Relationship.”

Statements by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

After the signing, Rajnath Singh shared on X (formerly Twitter): “Had a fruitful meeting with my U.S. counterpart Peter Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur. We signed the 10-year ‘Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership’. This will usher in a new era in our already strong defence partnership.”

He added that the agreement reflects growing strategic convergence between the two countries and will help ensure a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Defence Secretary’s Remarks

U.S. Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth also welcomed the signing of the new framework. He described it as a major step toward strengthening regional security and global cooperation. “This advances our defence partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence,” he said.

Hegseth added that both nations are now enhancing coordination, information sharing, and technological cooperation, calling the current level of defence ties “the strongest ever.”

Significance of the Agreement

This 10-year defence partnership holds great importance for both countries.

• It deepens strategic trust between India and the U.S.
• It supports India’s defence modernization and technology advancement.
• It helps ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region crucial for trade and global security.

Defence cooperation has now become one of the main pillars of the India-U.S. relationship, reflecting their shared goals for a stable and secure world.