India and the United States have signed a framework agreement to expand defence cooperation over the next decade. The agreement aims to enhance coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation, providing policy direction for their defence relationship. This development occurs amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries and existing US tariffs on India, some of which are linked to India's purchases of Russian oil and arms.
Defence Cooperation Agreement Details
The 10-year defence cooperation framework was signed following a meeting in Kuala Lumpur between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. Both officials posted about the agreement on X (formerly Twitter).
US Defence Secretary Hegseth stated the agreement will enhance "coordination, information sharing and tech cooperation" and advance "regional stability and deterrence."
Indian Defence Minister Singh described the pact as a "signal of our growing strategic convergence" that will "herald a new decade of partnership." He added that defence will remain a major pillar of bilateral relations, and the partnership is "critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region."
According to Pramit Pal Chaudhuri of the Eurasia Group, the agreement was initially expected to be concluded earlier in the year, but its signing was reportedly delayed due to India's dissatisfaction following statements made by former US President Trump regarding his role in ending a conflict with Pakistan. Mr. Chaudhuri also noted that this pact is the latest in a series of agreements designed to improve interoperability between the two militaries, facilitate India's access to technology, and foster collaboration between their defence sectors.
Broader Context of India-US Relations
The signing of the defence agreement takes place as India and the US continue high-level trade discussions, aiming to finalize a deal by November.
Defence ties have been a significant topic between the two nations. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February of this year, defence equipment sales were discussed, with former President Trump stating the US intended to increase such sales to India by billions of dollars, potentially including F-35 stealth warplanes.
However, certain aspects of India's foreign policy have been points of contention for the Trump administration. These include India's reliance on discounted Russian oil and its long-standing defence procurement relationship with Moscow. While Russia remains a major arms supplier to India, its share of Indian defence imports has decreased as India seeks to diversify its defence portfolio and increase domestic production capabilities.
In recent months, India has indicated openness to increasing energy and defence purchases from the United States.
Inputs from Soutik Biswas, India correspondent with the BBC.