India, US to draft new defence cooperation framework for next decade

India and the US have decided to draft a new comprehensive framework on defence cooperation that will structure bilateral collaboration for the next decade. The decision was taken in a telephonic conversation on Thursday between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.

This was the first telephonic conversation at the defence minister-level with the new Trump administration, after Hegseth was confirmed as the US defence secretary. It also came days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the US for his first meeting with Trump in his second term. The visit is expected to have a special focus on enhancing defence cooperation.

This could include speedy conclusion of a contract for fighter jet engine technology sharing and talks on procurement of US weapon systems like additional P 8I maritime aircraft and participation in upcoming procurements for fighter jets and military transport aircraft. A new agreement in the works that will consolidate efforts to expand the relationship was discussed during the call.


"The two ministers reviewed the extensive India-US defence cooperation activities covering multiple domains in land, air, maritime and space," the official said, adding that they reaffirmed their commitment to deepen ties.

While appreciating the "ongoing and remarkable expansion of the bilateral defence partnership", they decided to work together on technology cooperation and integration of defence industrial supply chains in particular.

The two sides have also agreed to work on enhanced interoperability, logistics and information sharing and joint military exercises. Ongoing efforts to promote industry partnerships also found special mention in the talk, with both agreeing to enhanced support for defence innovation collaboration.