India, US sign 10-year Defence Framework amid trade tensions: What it means for strategic ties

Kuala Lumpur: India and the United States on Friday signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement to strengthen long-term military cooperation, signalling a renewed commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The framework was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Malaysia.

Hegseth described the agreement as “ambitious”, calling it a critical step forward for both militaries. “Our defence ties have never been stronger,” he said, adding that the framework will enhance coordination, information sharing, and technological collaboration. He further noted that the partnership between Washington and New Delhi was built on “shared interests, mutual trust, and a joint commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific”.

Trade friction in the background

The new defence pact comes as India and the US remain engaged in tense trade negotiations following US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

At the East Asia Summit earlier this week, Jaishankar criticised what he called “selective application of principles” in global trade, warning that restrictive energy and market policies were distorting international commerce.

Meanwhile, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that New Delhi would not rush into trade deals that compromise its economic independence. “India will not sign any trade agreement in haste,” he said, stressing the need for “trust-based, long-term partnerships” rather than short-term concessions.

Strategic and political significance

Analysts view the defence framework as a signal of Washington’s intent to keep India closely engaged as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. For India, it marks another step towards deepening its defence-industrial base and diversifying its security partnerships.

The 10-year deal reflects a continuity in strategic cooperation, even as trade disagreements and tariff issues remain unresolved. It positions both nations as key stakeholders in ensuring peace, stability, and maritime freedom across the Indo-Pacific.

Framework and objectives

According to Hegseth, the framework sets a roadmap for expanded cooperation in joint defence production, intelligence sharing, and emerging technologies, including cyber defence and space security. It also highlights America’s “long-term commitment to shared security” with India.

The US Department of War, formerly the Department of Defence, stated that the agreement reinforces the two countries’ roles as “cornerstones of regional deterrence and stability”.

Context of the signing

The signing took place during the second edition of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, where Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of strengthening defence ties under India’s ‘Act East Policy’. Singh’s meeting with Hegseth came shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with US Secretary of State Marcon Rubio at the ASEAN East Asia Summit. Both meetings underscored growing alignment between the two nations amid global uncertainty.