In a significant step towards deepening strategic ties, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held his first official conversation with newly appointed US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The discussion marked the beginning of a renewed defence collaboration between the two nations, with both leaders outlining an ambitious vision for the future.
Had an excellent telephonic conversation with my US counterpart Mr Pete Hegseth today. Congratulated him on his confirmation as the new @SecDef on 25th January, 2025. We reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation and explored ways and means to expand and deepen the India – U.S.…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 6, 2025
During the call, Singh and Hegseth reflected on the remarkable expansion of India-US defence cooperation, spanning key areas such as land, air, sea, and space. They acknowledged the growing synergy between the two militaries and expressed a shared commitment to further strengthening defence engagements.
A major focus of the dialogue was the enhancement of technology collaboration, defence supply chain integration, and joint operational capabilities. Both sides agreed on the need for advanced logistics coordination, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and increased frequency of joint military exercises to boost interoperability.
Beyond military coordination, the Ministers emphasized the role of defence innovation in shaping future security strategies. They committed to fostering partnerships between government agencies, private enterprises, start-ups, and academic institutions, ensuring that cutting-edge research and development drive bilateral cooperation.
A defining outcome of the conversation was the decision to formulate a comprehensive India-US defence cooperation framework for 2025-2035. This long-term strategic plan aims to provide a structured and forward-looking approach to security collaboration, setting clear goals for joint operations, technological advancements, and defence manufacturing partnerships.
