US Hails 10-Year Defence Framework With India as Cornerstone of Regional Stability and Deterrence
Image courtesy: X/@rajnathsingh
The United States has described its newly signed 10-year defence partnership with India as a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, underscoring the growing strategic convergence between the two countries amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the signing of the new US-India Defence Framework marks a major step forward in bilateral ties, noting that defence relations between Washington and New Delhi are now stronger than ever.
What does the 10-year deal bring to the table?
He emphasised that the agreement will significantly enhance coordination, information sharing, and cooperation in defence technology and innovation.
According to Hegseth, the framework will enable both nations to respond more effectively to shared security threats and reinforce deterrence in the wider region.
What did the US embassy post about Hegseth’s comments?
“This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. We’re enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been stronger,” the US Embassy posted on X, quoting Hegseth.
India and the United States signed the 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership on October 31, 2025, during defence engagements in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement was inked by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
What does the defence framework aim to achieve?
The framework outlines a shared vision to deepen defence cooperation, with a strong focus on enhancing military interoperability, expanding the scope and complexity of joint exercises, and strengthening institutionalised information sharing.
It also aims to further boost defence trade, already exceeding $20 billion, and promote co-development and co-production of defence platforms under India’s Make in India initiative.
In addition, the pact reinforces technology collaboration through the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) and builds upon earlier defence agreements, reflecting the steady evolution of the India-US strategic partnership.
