India and US on Friday signed a 10-year defence framework in Malaysia to deepen security cooperation. The pact was signed by defence minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
Speaking to reporters after inking the pact, defence minister Rajnath Singh said a new chapter will begin between the countries with the signing of the Defence Framework.
"We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus: ADMM-Plus). On this occasion, I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework...I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen," he said.
Meanwhile, Hegseth said that the strategic alignment between the countries is built on shared interests, on mutual trust and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.
India and US have ramped up security ties in recent years amid China's expansionist ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
"I want to express gratitude to Minister Singh for the partnership we have with India. It's one of those consequential US-India relationships in the world. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, on mutual trust and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region," the US defence secretary said.
He said that the 10-year US-India Defence Framework is ambitious and "a significant step for our two militaries, a roadmap for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead."
"It underscores America's long-term commitment for our shared security and our strong partnership," he added.
Hegseth and Singh are in Kuala Lumpur to attend a meeting of a grouping of nations comprising ASEAN member states and some of its dialogue partners.
The pact comes at a time when ties between India and US have been rocky following President Donald Trump's steep tariffs on New Delhi over trade barriers and import of Russian oil. However, both sides have maintained that trade hurdles will not impact security ties between the two countries.
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