New Delhi’s diplomatic circles are buzzing with optimism following remarks from US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. On Wednesday, Gor highlighted the transformative impact of a landmark 10-year defense agreement signed between India and the United States in 2025. Speaking after a high-level meeting with Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other top officials, the ambassador emphasized how this pact will deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
In a post on X, Gor celebrated the agreement, stating, ‘Last year, the US and India signed a 10-year defense pact that will significantly deepen our defense partnership. Joint operations will continue, and additional sales are underway. This is a strong relationship! Thanks to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh for hosting us.’ This comes amid ongoing efforts to bolster military ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ambassador’s comments follow a recent meeting on January 25 between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and a three-member US Congressional delegation, comprising two Republicans and one Democrat. Discussions focused on trade, security, and regional stability, including the Indo-Pacific dynamics and the Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar described the exchange as productive, underscoring the enduring importance of congressional dialogues in bilateral relations.
Gor noted that the conversations were fruitful, centering on strengthening ties in security, trade, and critical technologies. The foundation for the 10-year framework was laid during an October 2025 meeting in Malaysia between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US War Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
According to official statements, this agreement marks a new chapter in an already robust defense relationship. The Defense Ministry outlined that the 2025 framework provides a unified vision and policy direction to deepen cooperation over the next decade. Both leaders praised the momentum in bilateral defense collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership across all pillars.
Hegseth reiterated that India remains a priority partner for the US in defense matters, with Washington committed to working alongside New Delhi to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ministry further detailed ongoing enhancements through military-to-military exercises, intelligence sharing, collaboration with like-minded partners, defense industry ties, science and technology cooperation, and dedicated defense cooperation mechanisms.
As global tensions rise, this deepened alliance signals a strategic alignment poised to reshape regional security dynamics, promising enhanced interoperability and shared defense capabilities for years to come.