India and the United States on Friday signed a 10-year defence framework in Malaysia aimed at deepening bilateral security and military cooperation. The pact was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur.

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Rajnath Singh: “A New Chapter Begins”US Calls Framework ‘Ambitious and Significant’Broader Context and Participation at ADMM-Plus

Rajnath Singh: “A New Chapter Begins”

After signing the agreement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the framework marks the beginning of a new phase in the defence partnership between the two nations.

“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,” Singh said.
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US Calls Framework ‘Ambitious and Significant’

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the pact as “ambitious” and “a significant step” for both militaries.

“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,” Hegseth said.
“Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, mutual trust, and a commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

He further noted that the 10-year Defence Framework serves as a roadmap for deeper and more meaningful collaboration, underscoring America’s long-term commitment to shared security and partnership with India.

Broader Context and Participation at ADMM-Plus

Both leaders are attending the ADMM-Plus meeting, which includes ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.

The new framework comes as India and the US strengthen their security partnership, particularly amid China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Despite recent trade tensions following US tariffs on Indian exports and India’s oil imports from Russia, both sides have reaffirmed that these issues will not affect their defence cooperation.