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In a major step towards strengthening strategic and defence cooperation, India and the United States have agreed on a new 10-year defence framework. The agreement was finalised during recent high-level talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The U.S. Department of Defence (Pentagon) confirmed that the framework will be formally signed at a forthcoming bilateral meeting later this year.
Sources suggest that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to travel to the United States for the India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, though official dates are yet to be announced.
Expanding the Strategic Partnership
According to the Pentagon, the new framework will deepen defence cooperation across a wide spectrum, ranging from joint military exercises and logistics support to intelligence sharing and the co-development of advanced military technologies.
During his visit to Washington, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with Secretary Hegseth. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement and discussed regional security dynamics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Shared concerns over China’s assertiveness were prominently featured, with both sides emphasising the need for close coordination to ensure regional stability.
Focus on Defence Procurement and Co-Production
Accelerating defence procurement and co-production efforts was a key priority in the recent discussions. Minister Rajnath Singh urged the U.S. to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). He called for the swift conclusion of a deal between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for joint production of the more advanced F414 engines.
Delays in the F404 engine deliveries—attributed to global supply chain disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, instability in the Middle East, and a temporary diplomatic rift over an alleged assassination plot involving a Khalistani separatist—have begun to ease. GE Aerospace has delivered the first F404-IN20 engine for the Tejas Mk-1A variant, and is expected to supply 11 engines annually.
Military Procurement and Co-Production
A key focus of the recent talks was the acceleration of defence procurements and co-production initiatives. Minister Rajnath Singh urged his American counterpart to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines used in India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The Indian minister also pushed for the swift conclusion of the agreement between U.S.-based GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the joint production of the more advanced F414 engines.
Due to global supply chain disruptions triggered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, along with a brief diplomatic strain over the alleged assassination plot involving a Khalistani separatist, delays were reported in the delivery of the F404 engines.
Advancing Modi-Trump Defence Roadmap
The Pentagon noted that the talks reviewed progress on key defence initiatives outlined during the February 2025 summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. These include expanding defence sales, boosting interoperability, and enhancing industrial collaboration.
Planned initiatives include the joint production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles in India. Talks are also progressing on the acquisition of six additional P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to strengthen India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Growing Inventory of U.S.-Origin Platforms
India’s inventory of U.S.-origin platforms continues to grow. Key assets include the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinook and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B armed drones.
Streamlining Regulations, Boosting Technology Transfers
Acknowledging India’s designation as a Major Defence Partner and its inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) list, both sides agreed to review and streamline export control regimes, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The goal is to facilitate faster defence trade, improve access to spare parts, and simplify maintenance procedures.
Negotiations are also expected to begin on a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement, which will enable the mutual procurement of defence goods and services and harmonise acquisition processes.
Pushing the Envelope on High-Tech Cooperation
The two nations pledged to deepen their collaboration on high-end defence technologies, including space systems, missile defence, maritime and aerial surveillance, and undersea warfare. The U.S. has also announced a review of its export policy concerning fifth-generation fighter aircraft and undersea platforms for India—an indication of the growing trust and strategic convergence between the two countries.
Shared Indo-Pacific Vision
The Jaishankar-Hegseth meeting reinforced the growing alignment between Washington and New Delhi in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for India’s regional leadership and expressed readiness to provide cutting-edge military capabilities to bolster India’s strategic deterrence.
Both countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Indus-X defence technology conference, which aims to accelerate joint innovation and industry collaboration between U.S. and Indian defence firms and startups.
Looking Ahead
The forthcoming signing of the new 10-year defence framework is expected to mark a significant milestone in U.S.-India relations, cementing the partnership as a key pillar of stability, innovation, and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Huma Siddiqui
