US and India Sign 10-Year Defense Framework to Strengthen Strategic Partnership. India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur on October 31, where the two leaders signed a landmark 10-year “Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership.” The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, highlighting the growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and Washington. Under the Joe Biden administration, the United States has continued to deepen its defense and strategic ties with India — seen as a key partner in maintaining balance and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past decade, India has integrated advanced American jets, helicopters, missiles, and military systems into its defense forces, reflecting a steady rise in military collaboration. Although recent trade frictions — including tariff disputes and immigration challenges that began during the Trump era — have tested the relationship, both nations appear committed to strengthening cooperation in the face of shifting regional power dynamics. “This Defense Framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US Defense Relationship. It marks a new decade of strategic partnership,” Rajnath Singh said, emphasizing that defense remains a key pillar of bilateral relations and essential for maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. This advances defense partnership — a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.
