### Strengthening Alliances: India and the US Forge a Decade-Long Defence Partnership In a significant development for international relations, India and the United States have formalized a **10-year defence cooperation agreement**. This landmark pact was signed on November 1, 2025, during a bilateral meeting between Indian Defence Minister **Rajnath Singh** and US Defence Secretary **Pete Hegseth** in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the sidelines of the **12th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting - Plus**. The agreement is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing strategic ties between the two nations, particularly in the context of ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders emphasized that defence cooperation is a "cornerstone" of stability in the region, marking a new era in their bilateral relationship [https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-us-sign-new-10-year-defence-partnership-framework-amid-tariff-tensions-10338454][https://inspirepreneurmagazine.com/india-and-us-sign10-year-defence-agreement-amid-trade-tensions]. ### Overview of the Defence Agreement Structure 1. **Strategic Cooperation**: The agreement aims to deepen military collaboration and enhance technology sharing between India and the US. 2. **Regional Stability**: Both nations view the pact as essential for maintaining stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. 3. **Bilateral Engagement**: The framework will guide cooperation across various domains, including defence trade, industrial collaboration, and military-to-military engagements. 4. **Response to Trade Tensions**: The signing of the agreement comes amid ongoing tariff disputes, highlighting a commitment to strengthen ties despite economic challenges. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Objectives of the Agreement**: - Enhance military cooperation and coordination [https://www.mid-day.com/amp/news/india-news/article/india-us-ink-10-year-defence-agreement-to-boost-strategic-cooperation-23601180]. - Foster technology sharing and information exchange [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/asia/india/news/india-us-sign-10-year-defence-cooperation-agreement-amid-tariff-turmoil-4023786]. - Strengthen regional stability and deterrence capabilities [https://www.newsweek.com/us-signs-defense-deal-china-rival-india-10972257]. - **Statements from Leaders**: - Rajnath Singh described the agreement as a "signal" of growing convergence in strategic ties [https://www.tbsnews.net/world/us-signs-10-year-defence-pact-india-hegseth-says-1273741]. - Pete Hegseth emphasized the framework as a cornerstone for regional stability [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3680163-india-us-sign-10-year-defence-framework-to-deepen-strategic-partnership]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in US-India Relations The signing of the **10-year defence framework** between India and the US represents a **major milestone** in their bilateral relations, characterized by a commitment to enhanced military cooperation and strategic alignment. This agreement not only aims to bolster defence ties but also serves as a response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning challenges posed by regional adversaries. 1. **Strengthened Defence Ties**: The agreement marks a significant enhancement in military collaboration. 2. **Commitment to Stability**: Both nations reaffirm their dedication to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 3. **Long-term Vision**: The framework sets a foundation for future cooperation across various defence sectors, ensuring a robust partnership for the next decade [https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/india-us-seal-decade-long-defence-framework-usher-in-new-chapter-of-ties20251031132231][https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/india-us-ink-new-framework-to-deepen-major-defence-partnership-for-next-decade/article70225458.ece].