Rajnath, Hegseth speak on phone, agree to boost ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth today spoke on the phone and agreed to work on a 10-year comprehensive framework (2025-35) to bolster the India-US defence partnership, especially in the spheres of intelligence, logistics, operational and industrial engagement. A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said the two ministers reviewed the extensive India-US defence cooperation covering multiple domains — land, air, maritime and space.

They appreciated the “ongoing and remarkable expansion” of the bilateral defence partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the ties. The two ministers decided to work together on technology cooperation, integration of defence industrial supply chains, enhanced interoperability, logistics and information sharing and joint military exercises.

This was the first time the two leaders spoke since Hegseth took over after Donald Trump administration was sworn-in on January 20.