On the last day of October, the United States and India signed a framework agreement on defence cooperation. It is expected to be 10 years old, but on this basis, can we anticipate any kind of fresh opening, a change in the paradigm of common relations? The provisions of the agreement make it clear that the main link between the 2 countries is the common perception of the global order. This is simply a solid foundation for further deepening cooperation.
The United States needs allies, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. This conviction is simply a tautology regardless of what he says and who is in danger of a customs war, or, more broadly, a commercial war, the president Donald Trump. The reason why this is the case is of course China, for which India appears in Washington as a natural counterweight. They are the only ones with akin human potential, and are besides conflicted with China about the course of part of the border. Thus, Americans are happy to see not only an crucial defence partner in India (as specified they were recognised in 2016), but an ally. It's a long way to go.
The agreement signed by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Defence Minister Rajnatha Singh in Kuala Lumpur focuses primarily on strengthening intelligence and technology cooperation. This second issue seems peculiarly crucial to the US business-oriented administration – India wants to make its own defence manufacture and, as far as possible, meet the needs of the armed forces locally. Technological cooperation would mean greater opportunities for the US to enter this market, which will translate into the profits of American arms giants. It is worth emphasizing that during the work on the agreement, the possibilities of joint production of Javelin missiles or Stryker armoured transporters were discussed. The conventional recipient of Russian arms India is attempting to diversify supply directions and presently besides employment many U.S. systems specified as P-8 submarine combat aircraft, C-130 transport, AH-64 helicopters, CH-47 and MH-60. During the February gathering between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modim, the erstwhile besides tempted the imagination of sales F-35 fighters. The field of cooperation is undoubtedly wide and Indian industry's capabilities are inactive far from adequate to the needs of Indian armed forces.
F-35 Lightning II aircraft in flight from Pituffik Space Force Base in Greenland to the United States, 9 October 2025. photograph 2nd Lt. Cameron Lewis
Importantly and worthy of emphasis, the agreement refers to common values and a common imagination of the global order. This is evident primarily in the communicative relating to the Indo-Pacific region as free, open and based on the principles of law (international). These records are even copied from the U.S. strategy papers and make it clear that it is the common perception of this order that is the main binder connecting 2 countries. This is undoubtedly a solid foundation for further deepening cooperation.
The American-Indian agreement is an crucial step in strengthening bilateral cooperation. However, its implementation will depend mostly on the United States itself. Donald Trump conducts global policy in a business way, entering profits into 1 column, and costs in the other. Without hesitation, he hits his allies and partners with commercial tools, who, at least to date, are bent under his pressure. This besides applies to India, thus being "punished" for Russian oil imports. Only that India is simply a regional power and will not always follow the way set by the president of the superpower. Of course, cooperation will continue, but engagement in it can be different and can experience periods of ups and downs.
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