Washington, DC
In a landmark boost to bilateral ties, the United States and India signed a comprehensive 10-year defence framework agreement on Friday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced during a joint press briefing with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The pact, dubbed the ‘Strategic Partnership for Security and Innovation’ (SPSI), aims to deepen military interoperability, joint exercises, and technology transfers in areas like AI-driven surveillance, hypersonic weapons, and cyber defence. Valued at an estimated $20 billion over the decade, it includes co-production of next-gen fighter jets and unmanned systems to counter regional threats, particularly from China.
‘This agreement fortifies our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,’ Hegseth stated, emphasizing Quad enhancements. Singh hailed it as a ‘new era of trust,’ addressing India’s push for indigenous manufacturing under ‘Make in India.’
The deal comes amid escalating border skirmishes and Beijing’s assertiveness, with implementation starting Q1 2026. Analysts predict it could reshape South Asian security dynamics.