The United States has signed a 10-year defence framework agreement with India, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said yesterday.
The framework is considered a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, enhancing coordination, information sharing and technological cooperation between the two nations, Hegseth posted on X after a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh.
Hegseth yesterday spoke with counterparts from China and India, beginning a series of face-to-face meetings at an Asean defence summit in Malaysia, as Washington seeks to boost regional security ties.
"It's a significant step for our two militaries, a roadmap for deeper and even more meaningful collaboration ahead," Hegseth told reporters after the signing.
Hegseth and Singh were meeting for the first time since the United States imposed tariffs of 50 percent on Indian goods in August as punishment for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil.
The tariffs prompted India to pause purchases of US defence equipment, with the two sides expected to discuss yesterday a review of India's plans to buy the military hardware.
Hegseth said on X he told China's Dong Jun the United States would "stoutly defend its interests" and maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, while voicing concern about Chinese activities in the disputed South China Sea and around Taiwan.
As Washington looks to tackle China's growing assertiveness in the region, Hegseth is expected to meet the defence ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, among others, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Delegations from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia are attending the meeting of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.