The United States and India have signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a major milestone in strengthening their strategic partnership. The agreement was announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday after a meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
India, US sign 10-year defense framework. pic.twitter.com/dBpFrtvyFg
— Khaleej Mag (@KhaleejMag) October 31, 2025
According to Hegseth, the framework will serve as a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, enhancing defence coordination, intelligence sharing, and technological cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
The meeting was the first between the two defence chiefs since the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods in August, in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The tariffs had led New Delhi to temporarily pause its defence procurements from the US.
Rajnath Singh, speaking to Indian media outlet ANI, said, “I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework. Under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen.”
The US Defence Secretary is also scheduled to meet counterparts from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, as Washington seeks to counter China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific.
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