US and India Sign 10-Year Defense Pact

The U.S. has announced a new 10-year defense partnership with India, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.

This agreement is seen as a key element for regional stability and deterrence, aiming to improve coordination, intelligence sharing, and tech collaboration between the two countries. Hegseth shared this on X after a meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

Hegseth and Singh met for the first time since the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods last August, as a response to India’s Russian oil purchases. These tariffs caused India to halt some U.S. defense acquisitions, and the two leaders were scheduled to discuss India’s military procurement plans.

“We’ve had three phone calls so far. I’m pleased to meet you in person during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. Today marks a new chapter with the signing of the Defense Framework… I believe India-U.S. relations will grow even stronger under your leadership,” quoted Indian Defense Minister Singh by ANI.

As the U.S. works to counter China’s expanding influence in the region, Hegseth is expected to meet with defense officials from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and others, an anonymous official revealed.

Delegates from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia are also participating in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ meeting.

This story is ongoing and will be updated with new details.