India, US to sign new 10-year defence partnership framework

The US Dept of Defence said Hegseth noted at the meeting that Trump and Modi had set a “strong foundation for our relationship, which we’re building on here today: productive, pragmatic and realistic”

PGurus Newsdesk

July 3, 2025

The US Dept of Defence said Hegseth noted at the meeting that Trump and Modi had set a “strong foundation for our relationship, which we’re building on here today: productive, pragmatic and realistic”

Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Hegseth agree on deepening military cooperation

India and the United States have agreed to formalize a new 10-year defence partnership framework later this year, according to a Pentagon spokesperson. The decision was reached during a phone conversation between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on July 1.

Pentagon spokesman Colonel Chris Devine confirmed the development, noting that the framework is aimed at building on the strategic goals laid out in the February 2025 joint statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Focus on industrial cooperation, major defence sales

The ministers discussed key aspects of the growing defence relationship, including pending major US arms sales to India and increased collaboration in defence manufacturing. The proposed agreement is expected to enhance co-production, expand industrial cooperation, and boost interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

“Secretary Hegseth emphasized the priority the US places on India as a key defence partner in South Asia,” Devine said. “They agreed to sign the next 10-year US-India defence framework at their next meeting later this year.”

Hegseth, Jaishankar review Indo-Pacific strategy and innovation initiatives

Separately, Hegseth also met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Pentagon. The two discussed defence policy alignment, concerns over aggression in the Asia-Pacific region, and the forthcoming INDUS-X Summit — a joint defence technology innovation forum. They also welcomed the upcoming launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA).

Hegseth reiterated that India and the US share a robust history of strategic collaboration, anchored in a mutual commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” He emphasized the US’s intention to support India with key defence capabilities to address regional security challenges.

Modi-Trump vision anchors strategic growth

Both sides referred to the vision laid out by Modi and Trump earlier this year, which focused on expanding joint defence projects such as Javelin anti-tank missile co-production, acquisition of Stryker armored vehicles, and procurement of additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

Speaking on the partnership, Jaishankar said the India-US defence relationship has grown into one of the most “consequential pillars” of bilateral ties. He stressed that mutual capability-building in the Indo-Pacific is vital for strategic stability in the region.

Hegseth echoed this sentiment, describing the bilateral defence agenda as “deep and ongoing” and expressing optimism about the impact of the upcoming defence ecosystem summit on innovation and joint manufacturing.

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