India, US Forge Deeper Defence Cooperation; Pledge Joint Response To Regional Threats

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday that Washington and New Delhi ‘are mutually aware of the security concerns in the region and can counter that threat together’.

Meeting at the Pentagon, Hegseth opened the talks by declaring, “We’re eager to work alongside you to realise our shared goals. They’re deep and ongoing.”

EAM Jaishankar cites Indo‑Pacific stability as ‘crucial’

Jaishankar called defence cooperation ‘one of the most consequential pillars of the US–India relationship’, adding that it rests on ‘deepening convergence of capabilities and responsibilities’.

He asserted, “What we do in the Indo‑Pacific is crucial to its strategic stability,” and urged both sides to expand an already robust partnership.

Hegseth revealed that both governments aim to sign a new 10‑year Framework for the US–India Major Defence Partnership ‘very soon’.

He also pushed to complete several pending US arms sales, boost co‑production projects, and tighten interoperability between the two militaries.

The pair confirmed high‑level participation in the next INDUS‑X Summit, where Washington and New Delhi will “continue to build on defence industrial cooperation and produce new innovations in technology and manufacturing,” the Pentagon said.

Rajnath Singh reviews initiatives with Hegseth

Earlier, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a call with Hegseth, later posting on X that they ‘reviewed ongoing and new initiatives to deepen the defence partnership’ and expressed appreciation for US support in India’s fight against terrorism.

The Pentagon underscored India’s integration of US‑made systems, including C‑130J Super Hercules and C‑17 Globemaster III transports, P‑8I Poseidon patrol aircraft, CH‑47F Chinook and MH‑60R Sea Hawk helicopters, AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters, Harpoon anti‑ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ‑9B drones.

Hegseth welcomed Jaishankar with an enhanced military honour cordon and a Navy band playing both American patriotic tunes and Jana Gana Mana.

He noted that President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi had ‘set a strong foundation for our relationship—productive, pragmatic, and realistic’, anchored by a shared commitment to a free and open Indo‑Pacific.

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