Washington hails India-US ties as ‘stronger than ever’ after 10-year defence pact

India, US sign 10-year defence framework as Washington calls partnership ‘stronger than ever’

The United States has described its newly signed 10-year defence partnership with India as a key pillar for regional stability and deterrence, underlining a deepening of strategic ties between the two countries.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the new framework marks a significant advancement in bilateral defence cooperation, signalling closer military coordination between New Delhi and Washington. The agreement, formally titled the US-India Major Defence Partnership Framework, was signed on October 31, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Hegseth signed the pact on the sidelines of a regional security engagement, committing both countries to long-term collaboration across defence planning, technology, and operational coordination.

“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,” Hegseth said while commenting on the agreement.

“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.” - Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on signing the 10-year U.S.-India Defense… pic.twitter.com/VidGQhuiRm

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 30, 2025

The framework is aimed at strengthening defence coordination, expanding information-sharing mechanisms, and boosting cooperation in emerging and advanced military technologies. Officials say it builds on existing military-to-military engagement and reflects growing strategic convergence amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The 10-year duration of the agreement is seen as a signal of sustained commitment, providing continuity in defence ties regardless of political changes in either country. Analysts view the pact as reinforcing India’s role as a key security partner for the US in the region.

The agreement also comes at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in Asia, with both countries seeking to enhance deterrence and stability through closer defence alignment.