India and the US have signed a framework agreement to expand defence cooperation over the next 10 years following a meeting between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur.
The pact, which aims to enhance coordination, information sharing, and tech cooperation along with advancing regional stability and deterrence, was announced amid ongoing efforts to finalize a trade agreement and manage the fallout from recent tariffs imposed by the US.
Hegseth highlighted that the agreement is expected to provide policy direction for the entire spectrum of the India-US defence relationship. Singh also noted that it signifies a growing strategic convergence and is pivotal for ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Though both countries had planned to conclude the agreement earlier this summer, delays occurred due to India's dissatisfaction over comments made by Trump regarding the conflict with Pakistan.
Experts from the Eurasia Group think tank pointed out that this pact simplifies military interoperability and increases India’s access to technology, highlighting an upward trend in defence relations between India and the US, especially evident since Indian Prime Minister Modi's discussions with Trump.
Despite India’s historic ties with Russia for defence supplies, the country has been working to diversify its partnerships, suggesting openness to increasing purchases of energy and military resources from the US. The two nations are currently engaged in high-stakes trade negotiations set to be concluded shortly.
With inputs from Soutik Biswas, India correspondent with the BBC.
