Major Step Towards Deeper Military Ties
India and the United States are preparing to sign a new 10-year defence framework agreement.
This deal will strengthen their strategic and industrial military partnership.
The Pentagon confirmed this after a phone call between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The agreement focuses on joint military exercises, logistics support, defence supply chains, and co-production of military equipment.
During the call, Mr. Singh asked Secretary Hegseth to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines.
These engines are crucial for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program.
Delays from GE Aerospace have already disrupted HAL’s delivery schedule for Tejas Mark 1A jets.
The Indian Air Force is still awaiting the pending aircraft.
India also pushed for finalizing the HAL-GE Aerospace deal for local production of F414 jet engines.
This initiative supports the Make in India mission and aims for defence self-reliance.
Boost to Industrial Defence Cooperation
The Pentagon stated that Secretary Hegseth called India a “key defence partner in South Asia.”
Both leaders reviewed progress made under defence commitments from PM Modi and President Trump’s February 2025 statement.
India’s Defence Ministry noted discussions on military training, personnel exchanges, and strategic cooperation with like-minded global partners.
Shared Strategic Interests
“They agreed to build upon this critical and mutually beneficial partnership,” the Indian statement said.
Key pillars include logistics sharing, industrial collaboration, and improved interoperability between forces.
Mr. Singh also emphasized India’s commitment to counterterrorism.
He thanked the US for supporting India’s right to deter cross-border threats.
Looking Ahead
The new defence pact is likely to be signed later this year during an in-person meeting.
This agreement is seen as a key milestone for long-term Indo-US military alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.
India continues to modernize its armed forces.
Strategic international cooperation remains vital for strengthening its defence readiness and regional security.