India and the US have signed a framework agreement to expand defence cooperation over the next 10 years.
The pact was announced after a meeting between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur.
The agreement will enhance coordination, information sharing and tech cooperation and advance regional stability and deterrence, Hegseth said on X.
This comes as the two countries are trying to close a trade deal amid strained relations following President Donald Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty on purchasing Russian oil and arms.
The agreement is expected to direct policies across the entire spectrum of the India-US defence relationship.
Singh noted it as a signal of growing strategic convergence and anticipated it would open a new decade of partnership. Defence is set to remain a crucial aspect of bilateral relations, particularly for maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
According to Pramit Pal Chaudhuri from the Eurasia Group, the agreement's finalization was delayed due to India's frustration with Trump's remarks regarding his involvement in resolving the Pakistan conflict.
The pact is the latest in a series of agreements aimed at improving military interoperability and enhancing India's access to advanced technologies, further solidifying cooperation in the defence sectors.
Recently, India has indicated its willingness to increase trade in energy and defence with the US while being cautious of its long-standing ties with Russia for military supplies.
The two nations are currently engaged in high-stakes trade discussions aiming for a resolution by November.
With inputs from Soutik Biswas, India correspondent with the BBC.
