India and the United States agreed on a new 10-year cooperation framework on defence — covering military exercises, intelligence sharing, technology collaboration, joint industrial development and coordination with other like-minded nations. The agreement was reached during the 8th Defence Policy Group meeting held on 31 October 2025.
Key Highlights
Expansion of military-to-military exercises and joint training programmes
Enhanced information sharing and defence intelligence collaboration
Joint defence science & technology initiatives including co-development of platforms and systems
Closer alignment with regional partners and coordination in the Indo-Pacific
A ‘defence industry pathway’ for shared manufacturing and export in global supply chains
The framework signals a leap from sporadic bilateral cooperation to a decadal, strategic partnership — reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy while deepening ties with a major partner. It also aligns with India’s goal of building a strong domestic defence industrial base, advancing the “Make in India – Defence” agenda and supporting India’s role in the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can this partnership ensure Indian startups and small defence firms benefit from co-development opportunities?
Follow the full news here: India and US Sign 10-Year Defence Cooperation Plan
