In a significant development for Indo-US defence relations, India and the United States have agreed in principle to sign a new 10-year defence framework. The announcement follows a high-level phone conversation between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as confirmed by the Pentagon. The upcoming agreement signals a deeper convergence between the two democracies amid rising geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Context and Recent Engagements:
The renewed defence framework is rooted in the momentum generated by the February 2025 joint statement issued by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the recent call, both Singh and Hegseth reviewed progress on goals laid out in that document. They addressed several strategic priorities, including ongoing defence sales, joint manufacturing initiatives, and deeper industrial cooperation.
The importance of India as a “key US defence partner in South Asia” was reiterated by Hegseth during a same-day meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions also covered regional security in the Asia-Pacific, and collaboration in advanced technologies.
Key Issues Discussed:
1. Jet Engine Supply and Indigenous Defence Production:
A focal point of Singh’s discussion with Hegseth was the delay in the delivery of GE F404 engines, crucial for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program. These delays have already caused HAL to miss delivery deadlines for the Tejas Mark 1A aircraft, impacting India’s defence preparedness. Singh also pushed for an expedited finalisation of the proposed HAL-GE agreement to co-manufacture F414 engines in India, a step that would mark a critical advancement in India’s drive toward defence indigenisation.
2. Industrial and Technological Collaboration:
Beyond engine supplies, both sides agreed to deepen industrial partnerships. A broad agreement was reached to enhance collaboration in training, logistics, military exchanges, and defence supply chain integration. Hegseth underscored US interest in expanding co-production and sales of defence equipment while enhancing interoperability between the two forces.
The upcoming INDUS-X Summit and the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) launch were also welcomed as platforms to accelerate defence tech cooperation. These initiatives aim to foster innovation and collaboration between public and private sectors in both nations.
Outlook and Broader Implications:
The next phase of the India-US defence partnership will be built around five pillars: interoperability, supply chain integration, logistics sharing, joint military exercises, and coordination with like-minded strategic partners. This holistic approach reflects the maturing of a defence relationship that is not just transactional, but strategic and future-focused.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s remarks further highlighted the evolving nature of the relationship: “Our defence partnership is not built merely on shared interests, but on deepening convergence—of capabilities and responsibilities.” His emphasis on Indo-Pacific cooperation echoes broader shared goals of ensuring regional stability and deterring aggression.
To conclude, we can say that the planned 10-year US-India defence agreement marks a watershed moment in bilateral relations, reflecting both nations’ strategic alignment and growing trust. While logistical and bureaucratic hurdles—such as engine delivery delays—persist, the clear commitment to resolve them signals a partnership on an upward trajectory. As both countries navigate a complex global security landscape, this defence pact is poised to become a cornerstone of regional stability and global strategic balance.
(With agency inputs)
