India and the United States are preparing to sign a new 10-year defence framework agreement, marking a significant milestone in their growing strategic partnership. The decision was confirmed after a phone conversation between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, with both leaders agreeing to finalise and sign the pact during their upcoming in-person meeting later this year.
This new framework will guide bilateral defence cooperation from 2025 to 2035, building on the progress made under previous agreements and the strategic goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement aims to deepen military collaboration, enhance defence sales, and foster greater industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Industrial Cooperation
A major focus of recent discussions has been on improving defence industrial cooperation, particularly in the area of indigenous manufacturing. India has been pushing for the early finalisation of a joint production agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and GE Aerospace for the F414 jet engines, which are crucial for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme. Delays in the delivery of GE’s F404 engines have already impacted HAL’s ability to meet deadlines for the Indian Air Force, making this collaboration even more important for India’s “Make in India” initiative and its goal of reducing dependence on imports.
The upcoming framework is also expected to streamline the procurement of defence goods and services, making it easier and more efficient for both countries to acquire critical military equipment. There are plans to expand technology cooperation in areas such as aerospace, maritime security, and air defence. The United States has indicated its willingness to review arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to facilitate smoother technology sharing and maintenance protocols with India.
The agreement is likely to include new initiatives for joint production and procurement, such as the co-development of advanced weapon systems like Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker combat vehicles, as well as the potential acquisition of additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to strengthen India’s surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
Both sides have reiterated their commitment to a robust and dynamic defence partnership, recognising India’s role as a key US defence partner in South Asia. The framework is being described as the ‘US-India Major Defence Partnership in the 21st Century’ and is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing regional security challenges, enhancing trust, and building joint capabilities between the two democracies.
The signing of this decade-long pact is seen as a clear signal of the deepening trust and cooperation between India and the US, with both nations looking to secure their interests in an increasingly complex global security environment. The agreement is set to not only boost India’s defence manufacturing sector but also ensure that both countries remain closely aligned in their strategic and security objectives for the coming decade.
