India and US sign 10-year defence pact to deepen strategic ties

In a major step towards enhancing defence and security cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth on Friday (October 31) signed a new 10-year Defence Framework Agreement on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

The agreement is expected to strengthen strategic collaboration, interoperability, and technology sharing between the armed forces of the two nations.

This marks the first in-person meeting between Singh and Hegseth, signalling renewed efforts to deepen defence ties amid recent friction in bilateral relations.

Singh said, "We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus: ADMM-Plus). On this occasion, I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework...I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen."

The talks took place against the backdrop of Washington's August decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, a move that had strained trade relations.

Officials said the new framework underscores the commitment of both countries to advance mutual security interests and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.