US, India sign 10-year defence framework to boost tech, intelligence cooperation

The United States has signed a 10-year defence framework agreement with India to deepen cooperation in technology, intelligence sharing, and strategic coordination, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Friday.

Hegseth and his Indian counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, signed the pact on the sidelines of the regional ASEAN defence ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

“I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Framework,” Hegseth posted on X.

“This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. We're enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been stronger.”

The agreement comes after a period of tension between New Delhi and Washington.

Singh had earlier planned to visit Washington in August, but the trip was cancelled after relations hit a low point when US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% to punish India for purchasing Russian oil.

The latest pact indicates renewed efforts on both sides to mend ties.

During his Asia tour earlier this week, Trump said in Seoul that he wanted to reach a trade deal with India.