India And The US Sign A New 10-Year Defense Agreement

Leaders’ Statements

The agreement reflects the growing partnership between India and the US, said Rajnath Singh, India's Defense Minister. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added that both countries will work together to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Signing Location and Background

The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur on Friday after both leaders held discussions on several defense and regional issues.

Recent Strain in Relations

Relations between India and the US have not been very smooth recently, ever since the US imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. In this scenario, the new defense agreement is of special significance.

Purpose and Significance

The document is a long-term vision and policy framework for strengthening defense cooperation. In place of a similar agreement that expired in 2015, it is expected to guide future collaboration between the two countries.