Context:

India and the United States have recently unveiled a 10-year “Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership”, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral defence cooperation. The agreement, signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur.

About Framework:

The framework will structure India-U.S. defence cooperation between 2025 and 2035.

·        It covers multiple domains: land, air, sea, space and cyberspace; defence industrial cooperation; logistics; intelligence sharing; interoperability.  

·        It is tied to broader initiatives such as the “U.S.-India COMPACT for the 21st Century” and improvements in arms-transfer regimes (e.g., review of ITAR) and Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) negotiations.

Significance of Framework:

• • From buyer-to-partner in defence industry: Previously India’s defence ties with the U.S. centred on purchases. Now, the framework emphasises co-production, joint R&D and supply-chain integration. This evolution aligns with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant defence) aspiration.
  • Enhanced Indo-Pacific orientation: The framework reaffirms India’s role in the Indo-Pacific architecture. By deepening ties with the U.S., India signals its readiness to be a larger security provider beyond its immediate neighbourhood.
  • Technological leap and modernisation of forces: The framework places emphasis on advanced technologies (undersea systems, autonomous systems, space assets) and interoperability. These will help India modernise its forces and adopt multi-domain operations, essential for future conflict scenarios.
  • Strategic autonomy management: India has historically emphasised strategic autonomy. This framework reflects a nuanced approach: while working closely with the U.S., India retains its independent foreign policy and seeks agility in defence partnerships.

About 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus):

The 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together defence ministers from ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners — India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Background

·         The ADMM-Plus was established in 2010 as an extension of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM).

·         It aims to promote mutual trust, practical cooperation, and capacity-building among ASEAN and its key partners in the broader Asia-Pacific.

·         The forum meets biennially, with working groups addressing specific areas of defence and security cooperation.

Conclusion:

The new 10-year U.S.–India Defence Framework signifies a deepening strategic convergence between the world’s largest democracies. By institutionalizing long-term cooperation across traditional and emerging defence domains, the framework lays the groundwork for a robust, future-oriented partnership aimed at ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.