Kuala Lumpur — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a 10-year defense framework on Friday, marking a major step in expanding military and technological cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement, finalized on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus) in Malaysia, underscores Washington’s long-standing effort to deepen ties with New Delhi, which it views as a strategic counterweight to China. India, already a major U.S. defense partner, has integrated advanced American jets, helicopters, missiles, and other equipment into its armed forces in recent years.
“This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence,” Hegseth wrote on X, adding that “our defense ties have never been stronger.” Singh echoed the sentiment, calling the pact a “signal of growing strategic convergence” and a foundation for a new decade of partnership in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The deal comes despite renewed strains in bilateral relations after President Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods in August and criticized New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. India remains the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China.
Alongside the signing, Hegseth held a “good and constructive” meeting with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun, raising U.S. concerns over Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and toward U.S. allies. He stressed that Washington does not seek conflict but will “stoutly defend” its interests and maintain a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
China’s Defense Ministry responded cautiously, reiterating its stance on Taiwan as an “unstoppable historical trend” and urging the U.S. to match its words of non-confrontation with action.
Hegseth also met with his Malaysian and Philippine counterparts, reaffirming U.S. commitment to maritime security in the South China Sea. Malaysia has often preferred quiet diplomacy in response to Chinese incursions, while the Philippines has faced repeated confrontations with Beijing.
The ASEAN summit was further overshadowed by Trump’s recent remarks about restarting U.S. nuclear testing for the first time in three decades. Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin reminded reporters that ASEAN is a nuclear-weapon-free zone, while ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said some members may seek clarification from Washington during upcoming talks.
As ASEAN defense ministers continue discussions with dialogue partners including the U.S., China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia, analysts say the U.S.-India pact signals a decisive shift in regional security architecture, one that will shape the Indo-Pacific balance of power for years to come.