India US Sign 10-Year Defence Framework for Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India and the United States have formalized a ten-year Defence Framework Agreement aimed at advancing strategic and military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, marking a new chapter in bilateral defence ties. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the agreement as a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence, highlighting America's commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific amidst concerns over China's assertiveness in disputed areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan. This development comes amid a broader US military pivot to the Indo-Pacific, framed as a necessary response to China's growing influence and aggression in the region. However, the Trump administration's pending National Defense Strategy signals a shift in US focus away from countering China towards securing the southern border, causing unease among key allies including India, which faces increased regional volatility after recent conflicts with Pakistan and China. In reaction to these uncertainties, India is pursuing greater defense indigenization, diversifying strategic partnerships, and cautiously maintaining limited US cooperation to safeguard its national security interests. The evolving geopolitical landscape underscores the complexities of maintaining regional balance and the critical role of US-India defence collaboration in this context.