US-India sign 10-year defence pact

The United States and India have signed a 10-year defence framework agreement, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.

The framework is considered a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, enhancing coordination, information sharing and technological cooperation between the two nations, Hegseth posted on X after a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh.

The agreement comes over Washington’s long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific as tensions continue to rise over China’s military expansion and regional influence.

Describing the pact as “ambitious”, Hegseth said it would enhance coordination between the two militaries.

“It’s a significant step for our two militaries. A road map for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead,” Hegseth said, adding that it reflects a shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
He emphasised that the partnership between Washington and New Delhi was built on “mutual trust and common interests”.

The US defence secretary also noted that the latest defence deal “underscores America’s long-term commitment to shared security and a common vision with India”.

Singh said the U.S.-India partnership is crucial for ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. “It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership,” he said on X.

The framework agreement comes amid renewed strains in bilateral ties after President Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent import tariff on Indian goods in August and criticised New Delhi for continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. India is the second biggest buyer of Russian oil after China.