India, US Sign 10-Year Defence Agreement to Expand Indo-Pacific Security
India and the US have inked a decade-long defence cooperation framework aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership, in addition to envisioning a secure Indo-Pacific. The pact is likely to open the door to increased joint production, technology sharing, and military cooperation-something that reflects the growing synergy between both nations as far as defence and security are concerned.
The Signing and the Context
The agreement, formally known as the "Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership," was inked on October 31, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth led the respective delegations of the two countries during the ceremony, with senior officials present from both sides.
This signing followed a series of prior high-level discussions between the two ministers and underlined the growing momentum in bilateral defence cooperation.
Purpose and Vision
The newly established framework spells out a strategic roadmap for India-US defence collaboration for the next decade.
Key objectives include:
- Enhancing military coordination and intelligence sharing
- Deepening technological and industrial cooperation
- Expanding joint training and exercises
- Improving supply chain integration in the defence industries
It positions the framework as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, aiming to deepen interoperability and reinforce cooperation with regional allies to address emerging security challenges.
Background to Strategy
This development follows commitments made in a joint statement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump in February 2025, which called for renewal of the previous defense framework.
It comes after continued diplomatic engagements, most recently the talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both sides pledged a continued commitment to strengthening regional stability.
The pact comes at a critical juncture when India and the US try to strengthen their leads in the Indo-Pacific in the face of growing regional assertiveness, especially by China. The continuous trade negotiations, like the so-called Bilateral Trade Agreement, are separate from this, but both governments talked about the need for a sustainable long-term strategic partnership.
Statements from the Leaders
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the agreement a "new era" in India-US relations, saying,
"We have signed the 10-year 'Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership.' With this, a new chapter begins in our strong and evolving defence relationship.
He added that the partnership "reflects our shared commitment to a free, open, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region."
The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, also views the pact as “a significant step for our two militaries.”
"This 10-year framework is ambitious and forward-looking," he said. "It underscores America's long-term commitment to shared security and deepens one of the most consequential defence partnerships in the world."
Implications for Regional and Bilateral Cooperation The compact essentially signifies a major leap toward institutionalising defence cooperation between India and the United States. It is likely to give further push in joint manufacturing, technology transfer, and operational synergy. For bilateral relations, this framework reiterates that defence is a pillar of strategic partnership and consolidates the ongoing cooperation in trade and diplomacy. Regionally, this improves deterrence and contributes to stability in the Indo-Pacific, in harmony with initiatives such as the Quad and joint counter-terrorism operations. Strategic analysts hail it as a forward-looking step, establishing India-US relations as an indispensable part of regional balance and global security, immune to fluctuations in trade or political factors.
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