In a significant step toward deepening strategic ties, India and the United States are preparing to sign a 10-year defence cooperation framework, the Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday. The long-term agreement is expected to lay the groundwork for closer military collaboration, technology sharing, joint production, and coordinated security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to a Pentagon spokesperson, the framework will serve as a comprehensive blueprint to align the defence interests of both countries amid growing geopolitical challenges, particularly in Asia.
A New Era in Defence Ties
The proposed framework follows a series of high-level engagements between Indian and American defence officials in recent years. It is designed to institutionalise defence collaboration across domains including space, cyber, artificial intelligence, and critical defence technologies.
“This is a reflection of the maturity and trust in the bilateral defence relationship. It ensures continuity and predictability in our joint efforts over the next decade,” said a senior Pentagon official.
The framework will also streamline interoperability exercises, increase frequency of joint training programs, and enhance maritime domain awareness — a priority area for both nations amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
Building on Strategic Convergences
The upcoming agreement builds upon previous foundational defence pacts such as:
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COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement)
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LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement)
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BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement)
These pacts have facilitated secure communications, logistics sharing, and real-time geospatial intelligence exchange, enabling greater operational synergy between the Indian and US militaries.
Defence Trade and Co-Production
The framework will also provide impetus to co-development and co-production of military platforms, in line with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the US goal of diversifying defence manufacturing partnerships. Key projects under discussion include jet engine technology transfer, drone systems, and next-gen surveillance equipment.
India is already among the top buyers of US defence hardware, and bilateral defence trade is estimated to have crossed $22 billion in 2024.
Indo-Pacific and Beyond
The 10-year framework is also being seen as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing assertiveness. Both countries are part of the Quad alliance, along with Japan and Australia, and share a vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
A joint statement from both sides is expected during the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which will also focus on cybersecurity, joint maritime patrols, and regional threat assessments.
The India-US 10-year defence cooperation framework marks a new phase in one of the world’s most consequential strategic partnerships. It reflects not only shared security concerns but also a growing commitment to co-create solutions in defence innovation, manufacturing, and regional stability. As both nations gear up to formalise the deal, it signals long-term strategic alignment in an increasingly uncertain global security landscape.
