India and the United States have signed a structured agreement to strengthen defence cooperation for the next 10 years. The announcement came on Thursday after a meeting between US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the BBC, experts view this new defence pact as the beginning of a “second chapter” in the strategic relationship between the two nations.
Hegseth said on X that the new agreement will enhance coordination, information exchange, and technological collaboration, contributing to regional stability and deterrence.
The deal comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% import tariff on India, along with an additional 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil and weapons. To address this tariff crisis, both countries are currently working to finalize a new trade agreement.
Rajnath Singh wrote on X that the agreement symbolizes their growing strategic alignment. It will usher in a new era in bilateral relations. Defence cooperation will remain a central pillar of the partnership. Their collaboration will play a key role in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Promit Pal Chaudhuri, an analyst at the Eurasia Group think tank, said the agreement was initially expected to be completed in July–August. However, it was delayed due to India’s displeasure over Trump’s remarks regarding his role in resolving tensions with Pakistan.
According to Chaudhuri, the agreement will enhance interoperability between the two militaries, help India access advanced technology, and make joint work between the defence industries of both countries easier. It opens new opportunities in all three areas.
In recent years, India and the US have increasingly strengthened their defence ties. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in February this year, defence issues were at the center of discussions. At that time, Trump said the US would sell billions of dollars worth of military equipment to India—potentially paving the way for F-35 stealth fighter aircraft supplies.
However, India’s reliance on Russia for energy and defence has since created friction with the Trump administration. Although Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, purchases from Moscow have declined in recent years. The reasons include India’s effort to diversify imports and expand domestic production.
India has indicated it is interested in increasing energy and defence purchases from the US. Both countries aim to finalize a long-awaited trade deal by mid-November.
