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India and the United States have formalized a landmark 10-year defense framework aimed at significantly deepening military cooperation, marking a new era in bilateral strategic ties. The agreement was unveiled following a meeting in Kuala Lumpur between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Hegseth said on X that the pact will enhance “coordination, information sharing and tech cooperation” while advancing “regional stability and deterrence.” Singh called it “a signal of our growing strategic convergence” and said the deal would “herald a new decade of partnership,” cementing defense as a core pillar of India-U.S. relations. Newsweek reached out to the State Department and India's Foreign Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The agreement comes at a critical juncture as both countries navigate tense trade relations and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25 percent penalty linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil and arms, creating strain in bilateral ties. The defense pact aims to enhance cooperation in military operations, technology sharing, and strategic coordination, while strengthening both countries’ presence and influence in the region. What To Know The defense agreement aims to enhance military coordination, improve intelligence sharing, and facilitate technology cooperation. Officials expect it to provide policy guidance across the full spectrum of India-U.S. defense engagement, including interoperability, joint exercises, and defense research collaboration. The agreement is the latest in a series of measures facilitating interoperability, technology access, and defense-sector collaboration. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri of the Eurasia Group think tank said it “provides for further potential in all three areas,” allowing both militaries to operate more seamlessly together and signaling a deeper alignment on regional security. Historical Context Defense has long been a key pillar of India-U.S. relations. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in February, Trump pledged billions in military equipment sales, potentially including F-35 stealth aircraft. While India has traditionally relied on Russian weapons and discounted oil, its defense imports from Moscow have gradually declined as New Delhi seeks to diversify suppliers and expand domestic production. Economic and Trade Angle Defense ties intersect with broader trade negotiations, as both countries aim to finalize a long-delayed deal by November. India has hinted at increasing energy and defence purchases from the U.S., potentially easing tensions over tariffs and sanctions while reinforcing strategic alignment. What People Are Saying Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on X: “It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership. Defence will remain as a major pillar of our bilateral relations. Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on X: "This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence." What Happens Next The 10-year framework is expected to shape defense cooperation well into the next decade, guiding joint exercises, technology partnerships, and strategic planning. Both nations are likely to use the agreement as leverage to strengthen trade talks, diversify energy and defense purchases, and deepen their joint presence in the Indo-Pacific.
