US and India Sign 10-Year Defence Agreement

The United States and India signed a landmark 10-year defence framework agreement on Friday. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh finalized the deal during a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus). This framework is seen as a vital step in strengthening regional stability and security.

The agreement aims to boost coordination, technological cooperation, and information sharing between the two nations. Both sides emphasized the importance of the deal in addressing growing security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth called it a cornerstone of regional deterrence and stability.

The meeting between Hegseth and Singh was their first since the United States imposed tariffs on Indian goods in August. These tariffs were a response to India’s purchase of Russian oil, which strained relations. India paused its US defence equipment purchases, leading to discussions on how to move forward with military hardware deals.

Singh expressed optimism about the agreement, noting that the deal would open a new chapter in India-US relations. Both leaders emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral ties under the leadership of their respective nations. Hegseth also highlighted the growing importance of India as a key partner in the region.

As part of the broader strategy to counter China’s growing influence, Hegseth is set to meet with defence ministers from other Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Delegations from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia are also attending the ADMM-Plus meeting.

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In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he looks forward to speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks, expressing confidence that reaching a successful outcome for both nations will not be difficult.

Prime Minister Modi also responded positively, stating that the US and India are close friends and natural partners. He added that the talks would open the door to broader trade opportunities and create new avenues for prosperity for the people of both countries.