India and the US have signed a landmark ten-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a new era of defense cooperation. The pact, inked by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, outlines a roadmap for enhanced military collaboration and joint initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region. NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, where the two leaders signed a landmark ten-year Defence Framework Agreement, signalling what Singh described as the beginning of a “new chapter” in India-US defence cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Singh is representing India.’Industry Warriors Built This Victory’: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor Triumph“We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. On this occasion, I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework. I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen,” Rajnath said, as quoted by ANI.The agreement, signed in the presence of senior officials from both countries, lays out a decade-long roadmap for deeper military collaboration, capacity building, and joint initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth described the pact as a major step forward in the bilateral relationship. “I want to express gratitude to Minister Singh for the partnership we have with India. It’s one of the most consequential US-India relationships in the world. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, on mutual trust and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said. “This 10-year US-India Defence Framework is ambitious. It’s a significant step for our two militaries, a roadmap for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead. It underscores America’s long-term commitment to our shared security and our strong partnership.”Speaking about the meeting, Rajnath Singh later wrote in a post on X, “This Defence Framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US Defence Relationship. It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership.”The meeting comes amid a broader intensification of high-level engagements between New Delhi and Washington. Earlier this week, External affairs minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing bilateral ties and regional developments. Rajnath Singh’s visit to Malaysia also includes talks with his Malaysian counterpart Khaled Nordin and participation in the ADMM-Plus summit, where discussions are centred on regional stability and counter-terrorism cooperation. India currently co-chairs the Experts’ Working Group on Counter Terrorism with Malaysia for 2024–2027, reinforcing its growing role in shaping Indo-Pacific security dynamics.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Takes ‘Italy’ Jibe at Rahul Gandhi After Cong MP Targets PM Modi Over Chhath ‘Nautanki’S Jaishankar Praises Germany’s Support After Pahalgam Attack, Calls For Zero Tolerance On Terror’Don’t Test Us’: Afghanistan Warns Pakistan Of Crushing Response, Fragile Peace Holds After Talks‘Other Countries Will Also…’: Former US Ambassador Sounds Nuclear Alarm After Trump’s Nuke OrderRJD Leader Shahnawaz Alam On Fight Against Brother Sarfaraz In Jokihat | Battle For Bihar‘Can’t Break The Deal’: Pakistan’s ‘US Drones’ Admission On Border Tensions With AfghanistanDelhi Police Alleges 2020 Riots Were Timed With Trump Visit And Aimed To Spark Pan India Unrest‘Pak Is Infuriated With…’: MEA Slams Pakistan Over Border Tensions With AfghanistanBengaluru Road Rage Horror: Delivery Boy Chased, Crushed To Death By Martial Arts Trainer CoupleHostage Drama At Powai Studio: Mumbai Police Rescues 17 Kidnapped Children, Accused Killed123 Photostories Divine Interaction: The temple in India where Gods are said to ‘talk’ to each other10 Halloween books for children6 hidden health risks of overdoing protein in your diet‘Sheer’ing the way: 7 times Sydney Sweeney stunned in her ‘daring’ red carpet looksAmitabh Bachchan’s THIS biggest flop was India’s most expensive film, featuring seven superstarsWhat the eyes say about health: Dietitian decodes 9 warning signs and how to fix them naturally11 unbelievable yet true facts about the lizards we see every dayFitness trainer shares 5 habits that actually help with weight loss in South Asian women5 ways to reuse your wedding lehenga this shaadi seasonHarvard-trained doctor ranks 10 popular sweeteners by health impact: Learn what is best for us123Hot PicksCyclone MonthaBank Holiday TodayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingLaMelo Ball Net WorthGiannis AntetokounmpoVirat KohliLamar JacksonRonda Rousey and Travis Net WorthPatrick MahomesMichael StrahanChet HolmgrenTua TagovailoaConnor McDavid Wife
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, where the two leaders signed a landmark ten-year Defence Framework Agreement, signalling what Singh described as the beginning of a “new chapter” in India-US defence cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Singh is representing India.
“We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. On this occasion, I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework. I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen,” Rajnath said, as quoted by ANI.The agreement, signed in the presence of senior officials from both countries, lays out a decade-long roadmap for deeper military collaboration, capacity building, and joint initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth described the pact as a major step forward in the bilateral relationship. “I want to express gratitude to Minister Singh for the partnership we have with India. It’s one of the most consequential US-India relationships in the world. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, on mutual trust and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said. “This 10-year US-India Defence Framework is ambitious. It’s a significant step for our two militaries, a roadmap for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead. It underscores America’s long-term commitment to our shared security and our strong partnership.”Speaking about the meeting, Rajnath Singh later wrote in a post on X, “This Defence Framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US Defence Relationship. It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership.”The meeting comes amid a broader intensification of high-level engagements between New Delhi and Washington. Earlier this week, External affairs minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing bilateral ties and regional developments. Rajnath Singh’s visit to Malaysia also includes talks with his Malaysian counterpart Khaled Nordin and participation in the ADMM-Plus summit, where discussions are centred on regional stability and counter-terrorism cooperation. India currently co-chairs the Experts’ Working Group on Counter Terrorism with Malaysia for 2024–2027, reinforcing its growing role in shaping Indo-Pacific security dynamics.