India and US Strengthen Defence Ties with 10-Year Framework Agreement

India and the US have agreed to establish a new 10-year defence framework aimed at enhancing strategic and industrial cooperation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed key issues, including pending major US defence sales to India and expediting delivery of crucial aircraft engines.

In a significant move, India and the US have decided to solidify their defence ties with a new 10-year strategic framework. This agreement was discussed and agreed upon in a recent phone conversation between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Pete Hegseth, as per a Pentagon statement released on Wednesday.

The upcoming framework will focus on enhancing strategic and industrial collaboration between the two nations, a decision reflecting the progress made since the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks included discussions on expediting the delivery of critical GE F404 engines needed for the Indian Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, highlighting the importance of timely defence cooperation.

An Indian readout from Tuesday emphasized the broad range of defence topics discussed, from training and military exchanges to industry collaborations. The leaders are aiming to enhance the momentum of this mutually beneficial partnership, focusing on areas including logistics sharing, joint military exercises, and expanding industrial supply chains.

(With inputs from agencies.)