The newly signed India US 10-Year Defence Framework 2025 represents a powerful leap forward in bilateral military cooperation, marking what both nations describe as the “strongest-ever phase” of their defence partnership. The announcement, made jointly by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, underscores shared priorities in regional stability, counterterrorism, and technology collaboration.
Table of Contents
- Background: A Decade of Strategic Alignment
- Main Highlights of the India US 10-Year Defence Framework 2025
- Statements, Reactions, and Regional Context
- Trade Talks, Tariffs, and Strategic Trust
- Conclusion: The Road Ahead for India and the US
Background: A Decade of Strategic Alignment
Over the past two decades, India and the United States have steadily transformed their defence relationship from a transactional one into a deeply strategic alliance. Since the landmark 2016 Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the subsequent signing of foundational agreements like COMCASA and BECA, the two countries have strengthened military interoperability and intelligence sharing.
यह भी पढ़े:
Osman Hadi Killers Fled to India via Meghalaya Border: Dhaka Police Reveal Shocking Escape Route
The newly signed 10-year Defence Framework builds upon these foundations, providing a structured roadmap for long-term collaboration in defence manufacturing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and maritime domain awareness. It also signals Washington’s enduring commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific — a priority that resonates strongly with New Delhi’s Act East Policy.
Main Highlights of the India US 10-Year Defence Framework 2025
Announced in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, the framework agreement was signed by Pete Hegseth and Rajnath Singh. The US Secretary of War described the pact as “ambitious,” saying it sets the stage for deeper and more meaningful collaboration between the militaries of both countries.
Key highlights of the India US 10-Year Defence Framework 2025 include:
यह भी पढ़े:
Bulldozer Raj Karnataka Demolitions: Congress Govt Faces Backlash After 400 Muslims Left Homeless
- Joint Technology Cooperation: A focus on co-developing and co-producing advanced defence systems, including drone technology, secure communication systems, and space defence tools.
- Information and Intelligence Sharing: Enhanced real-time information exchange on regional threats and cyber incidents to improve joint situational awareness.
- Maritime Security Cooperation: Expansion of joint naval exercises such as MALABAR and Tiger Triumph to safeguard Indo-Pacific sea lanes.
- Industrial Collaboration: Strengthened defence manufacturing ties under India’s Make in India initiative, encouraging private-sector participation.
- Counterterrorism and Strategic Stability: Continued collaboration to combat terrorism and deter aggression across the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth noted that these efforts “advance the India-US defence partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.” Rajnath Singh echoed his remarks, emphasizing the role of defence innovation and technology as vital pillars for the future of the partnership.
Statements, Reactions, and Regional Context
After the signing ceremony, Pete Hegseth posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Our defence ties have never been stronger. We’re enhancing our coordination, information sharing, and technological cooperation. This 10-year framework reaffirms our commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
He also expressed gratitude to Rajnath Singh for his leadership, calling the relationship between Washington and New Delhi “one of the most consequential partnerships in the world.”
The signing took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur. The timing is notable — it comes as tensions rise across the South China Sea and as regional nations push for more cooperative security frameworks. For India, participation in these meetings aligns with its broader effort to deepen engagement with ASEAN member states through the Act East Policy.
Diplomatic observers see the move as a clear signal of the United States’ intention to balance China’s expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific. The long-term framework also aligns with India’s strategic autonomy principle — maintaining strong defence partnerships while avoiding formal alliances.
Trade Talks, Tariffs, and Strategic Trust
Even as defence ties flourish, trade discussions between the two countries continue under a cloud of tariff tensions. The recent move by President Donald Trump to double tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases has complicated negotiations. However, both sides have reiterated their commitment to finding a “fair and equitable” resolution.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit, discussing bilateral relations and broader global challenges. In his remarks, Jaishankar highlighted the need for consistent principles in global trade and called for a “zero-tolerance approach” toward terrorism, citing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine as ongoing threats to energy security and global supply chains.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that India would not rush into trade deals that compromise national interests. “Trade agreements are not just about tariffs or market access, but about trust and long-term partnerships,” he stated. Goyal also confirmed that teams from both sides are “working closely to achieve balanced outcomes.”
यह भी पढ़े:
Canada Hospital Killed Indian-Origin Man: Wife Alleges Medical Negligence After 8-Hour Wait
The evolving India-US defence and trade dynamic demonstrates that both nations are looking beyond short-term gains toward creating resilient, long-term frameworks — military, economic, and technological — to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for India and the US
The India US 10-Year Defence Framework 2025 is more than a strategic document — it’s a vision statement for two of the world’s largest democracies. It cements a partnership built on mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a collective desire for regional peace and prosperity.
As the Indo-Pacific faces growing challenges — from maritime disputes to cybersecurity threats — the India-US partnership serves as a stabilizing force. By combining India’s regional expertise and strategic location with America’s technological and logistical might, the two nations are poised to redefine the architecture of security cooperation in the 21st century India US 10-Year Defence Framework 2025.
Looking ahead, both countries are expected to convene the first Defence Cooperation Working Group under this framework early next year. The agenda includes enhancing joint exercises, integrating defence industries, and developing AI-driven systems for real-time threat analysis.
In the words of Pete Hegseth: “This framework underscores America’s long-term commitment to our shared security and partnership with India. Together, we are building not just military strength, but the future of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
Related Reads
By HT News Desk — Updated October 31, 2025
