US signs 10-year defence pact with India, Hegseth says Azad News HD
United States and India Sign Landmark 10-Year Defence Framework Agreement: A New Era in Strategic Cooperation
In a major geopolitical development that is set to reshape the contours of global security and balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and India have officially signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the bilateral defence partnership between the two democracies. The announcement, made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday, underscores Washington and New Delhi’s growing strategic convergence amid an era of complex regional dynamics, rising Chinese assertiveness, and evolving global power alignments.
The agreement—hailed as a “historic milestone” by both sides—lays the foundation for enhanced military cooperation, technology sharing, joint defence production, intelligence collaboration, and advanced military exercises. It builds on previous frameworks, including the landmark 2015 defence pact, but expands its scope to include space security, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, cyber warfare defence, and maritime domain awareness.
According to officials, the framework is not merely an extension of past cooperation but a comprehensive blueprint aimed at transforming the US-India defence relationship into a full-spectrum strategic alliance that goes beyond traditional arms deals.
A Decade of Strategic Commitment
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a joint press conference in Washington alongside Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, stated that the 10-year agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to preserve regional stability, freedom of navigation, and international law in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that “the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in upholding peace, sovereignty, and open trade routes across one of the most vital regions in the world.”
The agreement establishes a long-term strategic planning committee, which will oversee key areas such as:
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Joint military research and development (R&D) in emerging defence technologies
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Co-production of advanced weapon systems under India’s “Make in India” initiative
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Exchange of military intelligence to counter terrorism, piracy, and hybrid warfare threats
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Regular tri-service military exercises (Army, Navy, Air Force) for improved interoperability
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Collaborative work on defence space initiatives, including satellite-based surveillance and missile tracking systems
In his remarks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the framework as “a defining moment” for India’s defence modernization efforts and an example of mutual trust between two democratic powers. He noted that the agreement “ensures continuity, predictability, and shared vision in defence cooperation for the next decade.”
From Strategic Partnership to Strategic Alliance
While the US and India have cooperated extensively on security matters over the past two decades, this agreement represents a qualitative leap from partnership to alliance-level collaboration. Experts see it as a signal that both nations are ready to institutionalize their defence ties beyond the constraints of short-term political cycles.
Under the new framework, both sides will operationalize joint command structures for maritime patrols, enabling closer coordination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)—a maritime space increasingly contested by China’s naval expansion. The US Navy’s Indo-Pacific Command and India’s Integrated Defence Staff will coordinate patrols and intelligence sharing to deter illegal activities and safeguard vital sea lanes.
The framework also incorporates joint R&D initiatives between American defence contractors and Indian private and public sector firms such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and several emerging Indian defence startups. Key projects include:
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Development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for border surveillance
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Advanced jet engine technology transfers to support India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programs
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Collaborative research in directed-energy weapons, hypersonic missiles, and cyber-defence tools
Defence analysts describe the framework as the “most comprehensive US-India defence agreement ever signed”, positioning India as a major defence partner of the United States alongside key NATO allies and Indo-Pacific partners like Japan and Australia.
Geopolitical Context: Countering Regional Threats
The timing of this agreement is geopolitically significant. The Indo-Pacific region has become the epicenter of global strategic competition, with the United States, India, China, and Russia all vying for influence.
China’s aggressive posturing in the South China Sea, its infrastructure expansion in the Indian Ocean, and its growing military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India have heightened security concerns in New Delhi and Washington alike. The United States, through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, has sought to strengthen a coalition of like-minded democracies to counter Beijing’s assertiveness.
India’s participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)—alongside the US, Japan, and Australia—has already established the groundwork for regional cooperation. The new 10-year defence agreement effectively formalizes India’s role as a central pillar in Washington’s Indo-Pacific vision.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized this aspect, stating, “This agreement is not directed against any single nation, but it ensures that the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, and governed by international rules—not by coercion or intimidation.”
In parallel, India’s growing defence ties with the US send a strong message to China that New Delhi is willing to deepen its alliances with democratic powers to safeguard its strategic autonomy and territorial sovereignty.
Defence Trade and Technology Transfer
One of the most important dimensions of the agreement is its focus on technology transfer and joint production, areas that have historically posed challenges due to bureaucratic and political barriers.
India, which has long sought indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, will now gain access to advanced American military technologies, including avionics, surveillance systems, and next-generation missile defence systems. The US, on the other hand, sees India as a reliable defence partner capable of balancing Chinese military influence in Asia.
A senior Pentagon official revealed that the framework includes provisions for co-producing next-generation drones, transport aircraft, and missile systems. The US will assist India in expanding its domestic defence industrial base through direct investments and technology sharing under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Furthermore, the two nations have agreed to jointly develop a military satellite network, enhancing real-time battlefield communication and strategic surveillance across the Indo-Pacific.
This collaboration also aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) policy, which seeks to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports while still fostering global partnerships.
Joint Military Exercises and Interoperability
The defence framework calls for a significant expansion of joint military exercises, including the Malabar naval drills, Yudh Abhyas army exercises, and Cope India air combat operations. These exercises will now feature integrated command simulations, cross-training programs, and real-time intelligence coordination.
Additionally, both militaries will explore logistics-sharing arrangements under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), allowing them to use each other’s bases for refueling and maintenance—a key step toward operational interoperability.
US and Indian forces will also conduct joint cyber defence simulations to strengthen resilience against digital warfare and data breaches targeting critical military infrastructure. This reflects a recognition that future conflicts will likely unfold across both physical and digital domains.
Space and Cybersecurity Cooperation
For the first time, the defence framework includes a dedicated chapter on space and cybersecurity cooperation. The two sides have agreed to establish a joint Space Security Task Force responsible for sharing data on space situational awareness (SSA), satellite tracking, and potential threats from anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
Both nations will collaborate on protecting communication satellites from cyber and kinetic attacks, reflecting shared concerns about the weaponization of outer space. Moreover, India will gain access to select US satellite imagery and real-time maritime tracking data, enabling better monitoring of adversarial movements in the Indian Ocean.
In the cyber domain, the agreement envisions joint training programs for cyber warfare specialists, sharing of cyber threat intelligence, and collaboration on developing AI-driven cybersecurity tools.
Economic and Industrial Impact
Beyond its strategic implications, the defence framework is expected to generate significant economic benefits for both countries. Industry experts estimate that the agreement could unlock over $100 billion in defence trade and co-production opportunities over the next decade.
For India, the collaboration will spur the growth of its defence manufacturing ecosystem, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and create thousands of skilled jobs. The US defence sector, meanwhile, will gain access to one of the world’s largest emerging markets for military hardware and technology partnerships.
The agreement also encourages academic and institutional cooperation, promoting exchange programs between US and Indian defence universities and think tanks. These efforts will help train a new generation of military technologists, strategists, and policy planners.
Regional and Global Reactions
The announcement of the US-India defence framework has elicited strong international reactions. Analysts in China expressed concern, calling it a move aimed at “encircling Beijing” through a regional alliance system. State-run Chinese media described the pact as part of America’s “containment strategy,” though officials in Washington have downplayed such claims.
Russia, a traditional defence partner of India, has reacted cautiously. Moscow’s foreign ministry noted that while India is free to pursue partnerships, the growing proximity between New Delhi and Washington could impact longstanding military-technical cooperation between India and Russia, which remains a key supplier of defence equipment.
In contrast, Japan, Australia, and the European Union have welcomed the development, seeing it as a stabilizing factor for regional security. Japan’s Defence Minister Yoichi Goto said that “the US-India framework strengthens democratic resilience in Asia” and complements existing QUAD initiatives.
Strategic Autonomy and India’s Balancing Act
India’s foreign policy has long been characterized by its emphasis on “strategic autonomy”—the ability to maintain independent decision-making despite alliances. New Delhi’s deepening defence ties with Washington do not imply a departure from this doctrine but rather an evolution of it.
By partnering with the US while maintaining defence relations with Russia, France, and Israel, India seeks to diversify its security partnerships and ensure it remains self-reliant in critical technologies. Analysts argue that this balanced approach allows India to extract the best from multiple partners while avoiding overdependence on any single power.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently stated that “India’s partnerships are issue-based, not alliance-bound,” reinforcing the notion that New Delhi will cooperate where interests align but retain autonomy in global affairs.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, several challenges remain. These include bureaucratic delays, technology transfer restrictions under US export control laws, and potential disagreements over procurement standards and defence offsets.
Additionally, domestic political shifts in either country could influence the pace of implementation. The US presidential election cycle, for example, has historically impacted foreign policy continuity, while India’s electoral politics also shape defence priorities.
Nevertheless, both nations appear committed to sustaining the momentum. A bilateral Defence Policy Group (DPG) will meet annually to review progress, address challenges, and identify emerging areas for collaboration.
A Defining Moment in Global Defence Diplomacy
The 10-year US-India Defence Framework Agreement represents far more than a simple extension of bilateral cooperation—it signifies a strategic realignment in the 21st-century world order. By linking the largest democracy with the world’s most powerful military, the pact aims to secure not just mutual interests but also the broader vision of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific.
For Washington, India emerges as a critical partner capable of balancing Chinese influence without requiring formal alliance commitments like NATO. For New Delhi, the agreement provides unprecedented access to cutting-edge technology and global military networks, accelerating its rise as a regional security provider.
As Defence Secretary Hegseth put it, “This is not just a defence agreement—it’s a partnership of principles, of shared destiny, and of unwavering commitment to peace through strength.”
