US announces a 10-year defense agreement with India.

US – India – (Special Correspondetnt / Web Desk) – The United States and India have signed a 10-year defense framework agreement, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday.

The framework is seen as a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, improving coordination, information sharing, and technology collaboration between the two countries, Hegseth wrote on X following a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh.

Hegseth and Singh were meeting for the first time since the US put 50% tariffs on Indian exports in August as retaliation for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

The tariffs prompted India to pause purchases of US defence equipment, with the two sides expected to discuss on Friday a review of India’s plans to buy the military hardware.

“We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus: ADMM-Plus). On this occasion, I feel a new chapter will begin today with the signing of the Defence Framework…I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen,” the ANI quoted Indian defence minister as saying.

As Washington looks to tackle China’s growing assertiveness in the region, Hegseth is expected to meet the defence ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, among others, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Prices for petroleum in Pakistan from November 1, 2025.

Delegations from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia are attending the meeting of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.