Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reviewed the progress of the 10-year India-US defence framework on Wednesday. The agreement aims to strengthen strategic cooperation in military technology, information sharing and joint production of defence equipment.

The two leaders held talks in Cebu, the Philippines, where they also discussed the Indo-Pacific situation and changing regional security challenges. Both leaders are in Cebu to attend a meeting involving ASEAN member states and some of their dialogue partners.

Singh described his meeting with Hegseth as "excellent". In a social media post, he said, "We reviewed the progress of our 10-year India-US Defence Framework, driving strategic convergence across military technology, information sharing, and co-production. Our robust partnership continues to be a cornerstone for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific," he said.

Hegseth also highlighted the meeting, saying, "Great meeting with Indian Minister of Defence Singh. We celebrated the first anniversary of the Framework for our Major Defence Partnership and explored ways to strengthen cooperation."

India and the US signed the defence framework in October last year to provide a roadmap for expanding their military partnership. Defence ties have continued to grow despite diplomatic tensions between the two countries under the Trump administration.

Around 11 years ago, the US designated India a "Major Defence Partner", opening the way for greater sharing of advanced military equipment and technology.

The two countries have also signed several key defence agreements. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, signed in 2016, allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repairs and replenishment of supplies.

In 2018, they signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) to improve military interoperability and enable access to advanced US technology. In October 2020, they signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which facilitates the sharing of advanced military technology, logistics and geospatial information.

Singh also met Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, military interoperability and regional security challenges.

"We had productive discussions on reviewing our bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing military interoperability, and addressing regional security challenges. India places great value on its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific," Singh said.