On July 2, 2025, the Pentagon announced that India and the United States are set to formalize a new 10-year defence framework, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership. This decision, revealed after a phone conversation between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscores the growing alignment between the two nations in addressing regional and global security challenges. The framework aims to deepen military cooperation, enhance interoperability, and foster defence industrial collaboration over the next decade. This article explores the details of the agreement, its strategic implications, and the broader context of India-US defence relations.
Background of India-US Defence Relations
The India-US defence relationship has evolved significantly over the past two decades, transitioning from a period of cautious engagement to a robust strategic partnership. The foundation for this collaboration was laid with the signing of the first 10-year Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship in 2015, which outlined cooperation in areas such as joint military exercises, defence trade, and technology sharing. This framework built on earlier agreements, such as the 2005 New Framework for Defence Cooperation, and has been complemented by initiatives like the India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap concluded in May 2023.
The relationship has been driven by shared interests in countering regional security threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations seek to ensure a free and open maritime order. The Quad, comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, has further strengthened this partnership, with a focus on countering China’s growing influence in the region. The upcoming framework is expected to subsume and expand upon these existing agreements, aligning with the defence goals outlined in the joint statement issued by US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025.
Details of the New 10-Year Defence Framework
According to a Pentagon statement released on July 2, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed to sign the new 10-year US-India Defence Framework during their next meeting later this year. While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the Pentagon highlighted several key areas of focus, including enhanced interoperability, logistics sharing, and defence industrial collaboration. The framework is expected to guide bilateral defence relations through 2035, building on the progress made in recent years.
The discussions between Singh and Hegseth also addressed pending major US defence sales to India, with an emphasis on expediting deliveries and addressing delays in critical supplies. Notably, India has raised concerns over delays in the delivery of General Electric’s F404 engines for the Tejas Mark 1-A fighter jet and six Apache attack helicopters from Boeing. These delays have impacted India’s indigenous defence programs, particularly the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, which is a cornerstone of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The framework will also prioritize closer defence industrial cooperation, including co-production and technology transfer. This aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which seeks to bolster domestic defence manufacturing through partnerships with global firms. The Pentagon emphasized the importance of streamlining defence trade, reviewing regulations like the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and exploring a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to facilitate smoother collaboration.
Strategic Implications
The new 10-year defence framework comes at a time when India and the US are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. The Indo-Pacific region remains a focal point of strategic competition, with China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and along the India-China border underscoring the need for stronger bilateral ties. The framework signals a mutual commitment to countering these challenges while promoting a rules-based international order.
For the United States, the framework reinforces its strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific, with India as a critical partner in balancing China’s regional influence. The agreement also supports the US defence industry by facilitating major sales and co-production opportunities with India, one of the world’s largest defence markets. The Pentagon’s commitment to addressing delays in defence supplies reflects an effort to maintain credibility as a reliable partner.
Despite the positive momentum, the India-US defence partnership faces several challenges. Delays in US defence deliveries, particularly for the Tejas aircraft and Apache helicopters, have caused frustration in New Delhi. These delays highlight the complexities of aligning bureaucratic processes and supply chains between the two nations. India has urged the US to expedite these deliveries to ensure the timely operationalization of critical defence platforms.
Another challenge is the differing expectations regarding technology transfer. While India seeks greater access to advanced US technologies, the US is bound by strict export control regulations, such as ITAR, which limit the sharing of sensitive technologies. The framework’s success will depend on the ability of both sides to navigate these regulatory hurdles and establish a mutually beneficial framework for technology exchange.
Additionally, India’s strategic autonomy and its historical ties with Russia, a major supplier of defence equipment, could complicate the partnership. While India has diversified its defence procurement in recent years, its reliance on Russian systems, such as the S-400 air defence system, has raised concerns in Washington. Balancing these relationships will be critical for India as it deepens ties with the US.
Broader Context: The Quad and Indo-Pacific Security
The new defence framework is closely tied to the broader strategic priorities of the Quad, which has emerged as a key platform for India-US cooperation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s meeting with Secretary Hegseth on July 1, 2025, at the Pentagon, ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, underscored the alignment of interests between the two nations. Discussions focused on advancing the India-US defence partnership and building on shared capabilities and responsibilities in the Indo-Pacific.
The framework also aligns with the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem Summit, which aims to foster innovation in defence manufacturing and technology. This summit will provide a platform for both nations to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space defence.
Public and Media Response
The announcement has generated significant interest on platforms like X, where posts have highlighted the framework’s focus on technology transfer, joint drills, logistics, and Indo-Pacific security. Users have described the agreement as a “game-changer” for India-US relations, with some emphasizing its role in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. However, these posts are inconclusive and reflect public sentiment rather than verified details.
Indian media outlets, such as The Economic Times, The Hindu, and Hindustan Times, have reported extensively on the agreement, emphasizing its potential to transform bilateral defence ties. The coverage has highlighted the framework’s alignment with India’s strategic priorities and its role in addressing regional security challenges.
The upcoming 10-year India-US Defence Framework represents a pivotal step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. By focusing on interoperability, defence industrial collaboration, and logistics sharing, the framework aims to address shared security challenges while supporting India’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Despite challenges such as delays in defence deliveries and regulatory hurdles, the agreement reflects a mutual commitment to deepening ties and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary Pete Hegseth prepare to formalize the framework later this year, the world will be watching closely to see how this partnership shapes the future of regional and global security.
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