CEBU (PHILIPPINES), OCT 28: India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic and security cooperation, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reviewing progress under the 10-year India-US Defence Framework and exploring new avenues for military modernisation, technology sharing and defence industrial integration.
The two leaders met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, to assess the progress of the bilateral Major Defence Partnership and identify opportunities to deepen cooperation amid evolving regional and global security challenges.
A key focus of the discussions was the growing threat of terrorism, with both sides reiterating their joint resolve to combat the menace. Rajnath Singh called for a firm and uncompromising zero-tolerance approach towards countries that support, train or finance terrorist organisations, emphasising the need for international unity against state-sponsored terrorism.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. Singh expressed India’s appreciation for the consistent support extended by the United States, highlighting the importance of continued bilateral coordination in addressing security threats.
The discussions also focused on accelerating operational readiness, expanding military-to-military exchanges, strengthening maritime security cooperation and developing more integrated and resilient defence supply chains. Both leaders reviewed progress under the 10-year framework and reiterated their commitment to advancing the partnership towards greater strategic convergence.
The emphasis on defence industrial integration and technology sharing reflects the shared interest of both countries in strengthening their capabilities, enhancing interoperability and expanding collaboration across critical security sectors.
The meeting also highlighted the strategic importance of India-US cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region facing increasingly complex geopolitical and maritime security challenges. Both countries have consistently emphasised the need for a stable, free and open regional order based on shared interests and closer strategic coordination.
In a post on X following the meeting, Rajnath Singh described the India-US partnership as a cornerstone for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
The engagement marked another step in consolidating bilateral strategic ties, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to closer military cooperation, stronger industrial partnerships and coordinated efforts against terrorism.
