US, India ink 10-year defense agreement.
After meeting with the Indian Defense Minister, Hegsett wrote in a message on his X social media account (formerly Twitter): “In a meeting with Rajnath Singh, we signed a 10-year defense agreement between the United States and India.”
The US Secretary of Defense also stated that this agreement will strengthen US defense cooperation, which is a cornerstone of the country’s regional stability and deterrence, adding that Washington and New Delhi are enhancing operational coordination, information exchange and technological cooperation.
Hegsett further emphasized: US-India defense relations have never been stronger.
According to IRNA, India and the US had previously signed a Security Assurance Agreement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Appointment of Liaison Officers, which was the latest in a series of bilateral military agreements between New Delhi and Washington.
The Security Agreement strengthens the bilateral partnership by providing security for supply chains between the defense industries of the two countries (India and the United States), which are growing with new opportunities for joint production and development. The arrangement provides structural and organizational guarantees for defense procurement, guided by the United States Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS).
With the establishment of the Security Agreement, the working groups will have a framework for further communication and take proactive steps to ensure supply chain stability in peace and crises.