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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to meet his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting. The discussions, scheduled for Thursday, come at a critical time as both nations seek to de-escalate tensions arising from the recent US tariff hikes on Indian imports. Officials from both sides have confirmed that this will be the first face-to-face meeting between Singh and Hegseth. Focus on defence cooperation A key agenda item is India’s planned purchase of six Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal, estimated at over $2 billion, is seen as a strategic move to bolster India’s maritime surveillance capabilities amid growing regional challenges. The two leaders are also expected to discuss a new defence cooperation framework, aimed at enhancing interoperability, joint exercises, and technology transfer between the two militaries. India-US relations This meeting assumes significance after months of strained ties triggered by Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian products to 50% in August. The US move was reportedly in retaliation to India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil, despite Western sanctions on Moscow. Singh had been due to visit Washington that month, but the trip was cancelled following the diplomatic friction. However, relations appear to be on the mend. Indian refiners have since reduced Russian oil purchases, following fresh US sanctions on Moscow’s top energy exporters. Both New Delhi and Washington now view the ASEAN meeting as an opportunity to reset ties and strengthen their defence and economic partnership. As per reports, the meeting could pave the way for a bilateral visit by either Singh or Hegseth in the coming months. Rajnath is also expected to address the ASEAN forum on November 1, where he will highlight India’s commitment to regional security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. US President Donald Trump, currently touring Asia, told reporters in South Korea on Wednesday that he was keen to reach a trade deal with India, signalling a renewed interest in stabilising relations.
