defense deal
India and the US signed a 10-year plan to further strengthen defense ties between the two countries during the meeting of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. This signing took place during the meeting of defense ministers of ASEAN countries. This incident has happened at a time when India is trying to strike a balance between signing a trade deal with the US, improving relations and maintaining old ties with Russia. In recent weeks, both countries have resumed talks on a trade agreement.
Earlier, Trump had imposed 25% additional tax on Indian goods, due to which the talks had come to a halt. After this, he also imposed a 25% penalty on India for purchasing oil from Russia. The Defense Ministry said that this 2025 plan will start a new phase to take the partnership further in the next 10 years. Its purpose is to deepen defense cooperation and give a clear direction. The two leaders praised the steady progress in defense cooperation and promised to further strengthen the win-win partnership in every field.
The ministry statement said they discussed current defense issues and challenges and considered defense industry and technical cooperation. Amidst increasing global uncertainty, both agreed to find solutions to the problems together. Rajnath Singh wrote on X that he had a good meeting with the American Minister. We signed a 10-year US-India major defense partnership plan.
What is the meaning of the deal?
This will begin a new phase in our already strong partnership. This plan will give complete direction to India-US defense relations. He further said that this agreement is a sign of the growing strategic coordination of the two countries and will mark the beginning of a new 10 years of partnership. Defense will remain the mainstay of our relations. Our partnership is very important for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Both India and the US support a rules-based international order for peace, development and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. China is trying to increase its influence in the region by building military bases, exerting pressure for maritime claims and taking strategic advantage from weaker countries.
Pete Hegseth wrote on X that I just met Rajnath Singh to sign the 10 year defense plan. It advances our defense partnership, which is the foundation of regional stability and strength. We are increasing coordination, information sharing and technical cooperation. Our defense relations have never been stronger. In August 2024, both countries signed a non-binding agreement on Security of Supply Agreement (SOSA). This agreement allows India and America to get goods and services from each other’s defense companies on priority basis if needed. Last year, both had also signed an agreement for the appointment of liaison officers. Its purpose is to increase cooperation, understanding, coordination of each other’s armies and exchange of information in matters of mutual interest.
I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year US-India Defense Framework.
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 pic.twitter.com/hPmkZdMDv2
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 31, 2025
talk on trade deal
On September 16, US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch spoke to Indian officials in New Delhi, after which discussions on a trade agreement resumed. After this, Trump’s close aide and US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gore met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trade was also discussed during the recent visits of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to America. US President Donald Trump indicated in South Korea this week that a trade agreement with India is imminent.