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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus), where the two leaders signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement. The pact, described by Singh as the beginning of a “new chapter” in India-US defence cooperation, aims to deepen military collaboration between the two countries.
During the meeting, Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the future of bilateral defence relations. "We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of 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,” he said.
Hegseth also said that defence ties with India have “never been stronger”, adding that both nations remain committed to enhancing regional stability.
This was the first in-person meeting between Singh and Hegseth. During their discussions, the two leaders renewed a 10-year defence framework, which Hegseth called “one of the most consequential” partnerships in the world.
In a post on X, Hegseth wrote, “I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year US-India Defense Framework. This advances our defence partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. We’re enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defence ties have never been stronger.”
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 "'A new chapter begins': India, US sign 10-year defence framework pact")
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