India and US Sign Landmark 10-Year Defence Framework Agreement

India and the United States have signed a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement in Kuala Lumpur, marking a major step forward in deepening strategic and military cooperation between the two nations. The accord underscores their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening Strategic Partnership

The agreement was exchanged between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting. Both leaders described the pact as a significant milestone in bilateral ties, setting the stage for enhanced coordination, information sharing, and defence technology collaboration. Hegseth said that the agreement would serve as a “cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence,” emphasising that US-India defence relations “have never been stronger.”

Key Features of the Defence Framework

Under the new framework, both sides aim to intensify cooperation across the entire spectrum of defence engagements, from joint exercises and defence innovation to industrial collaboration and maritime security. The framework will act as a long-term policy direction document, guiding military and strategic exchanges between New Delhi and Washington over the next decade. Singh called the agreement a “new era” in bilateral partnership, reaffirming that defence remains a central pillar of India-US relations.

Indo-Pacific Focus and Regional Security

The deal highlights both nations’ shared vision for maintaining peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. Singh stated that the agreement aligns with India’s “Act East Policy” and supports ASEAN’s central role in regional stability. The US echoed similar sentiments, viewing India as a vital strategic partner in counterbalancing challenges in the Indo-Pacific and upholding international maritime norms.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India and the US signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement in Kuala Lumpur on 31 October 2025.
• The agreement was exchanged between Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
• It provides policy direction for the US-India Major Defence Partnership.
• The pact focuses on defence technology, coordination, and Indo-Pacific security cooperation.

Momentum in Bilateral Defence Cooperation

The signing took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, ahead of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). The development reflects growing strategic convergence between India and the United States amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. Both countries reiterated that their defence collaboration would continue to underpin efforts toward maintaining stability and ensuring a secure Indo-Pacific region.