Hegseth, who met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministerial Summit in Kuala Lumpur, said in a post on X that the framework will enhance coordination, intelligence sharing, and technological collaboration between the two nations.
“This 10-year US–India Defence Framework is ambitious — a roadmap for deeper and more meaningful collaboration ahead,” Hegseth said. “It underscores America’s long-term commitment to our shared security and strong partnership.”
Rajnath Singh: ‘A New Chapter Begins Today’
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the signing, calling it a pivotal moment in the evolving strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
“A new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework,” Singh said. “I am confident that under your leadership, India–US relations will further strengthen.”
Their meeting also took place amid ongoing India–US trade negotiations, adding diplomatic depth to the broader strategic and economic dialogue between the two countries.
Broader Strategic Context
The signing comes against the backdrop of Washington’s recent decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in August, a move that briefly strained trade ties. Despite those tensions, both nations have continued to expand defence and technology cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, positioning their partnership as central to maintaining regional balance.
The new framework reflects a shared intent to advance mutual security interests, promote defence innovation, and ensure peace and stability in the region.
India’s Stance on Trade Talks
Meanwhile, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated last week that India would not rush into trade agreements or accept terms that could constrain its “strategic trading choices.”
“We will not enter any trade deal in haste,” Goyal said, emphasizing that trade pacts should go beyond tariffs and market access to build trust, long-term partnerships, and sustainable business frameworks.
His comments reflect India’s broader approach — balancing economic engagement with self-reliance, even as it strengthens strategic and defence ties with global partners like the United States.
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