Rajnath Singh meets US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur
India and the United States on Friday signed a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a new chapter in their deepening strategic and defence cooperation. The agreement was exchanged between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, setting the stage for enhanced coordination across military and security domains.
Describing the deal as a “historic milestone,” Hegseth said, “The defence ties between our two nations have never been stronger. This framework will advance our partnership — a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.”
Rajnath Singh echoed similar sentiments, calling the meeting “fruitful” and asserting that the framework would “usher in a new era” of defence cooperation.
In a post on X, Singh said, “Had a fruitful meeting with my US counterpart Peter Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur. We signed the 10-year ‘Framework for the US–India Major Defence Partnership’. This will usher in a new era in our already strong defence partnership. The framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India–US defence relationship.”
He added that the partnership was vital to ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth, in a corresponding post, wrote, “This agreement advances our defence partnership – a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. We’re enhancing coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation.”
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN–India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, ahead of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) scheduled for November 1. The leaders are expected to discuss regional security challenges and maritime cooperation.
The agreement underscores the expanding strategic convergence between New Delhi and Washington, reaffirming their joint commitment to regional peace, maritime security, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
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