India-US Signs 10-Year Defence Pact Amid US-China Diplomacy
India and the US have signed a 10-year defence pact to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on intelligence, technology, and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement comes as the US and China seek warmer relations, raising concerns in India about shifting strategic priorities and regional power balances.
India has welcomed a new 10-year strategic defence pact with the United States, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral and regional security cooperation. The agreement, announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary Peter Hegseth, emphasizes enhanced intelligence sharing, defence technology collaboration, and maritime coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian officials view the pact as a turning point in India's strategic role, positioning the country as a key US ally amid evolving global alignments. However, the timing of the pact coincides with a summit between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi, where both leaders discussed reducing tariffs and boosting rare-earth trade, potentially reshaping regional power dynamics. Some Indian experts express concern that renewed US-China engagement could dilute Washington's strategic focus on New Delhi, complicating India's long-term security calculus. The Indian Foreign Ministry remains cautious, assessing the broader implications of US-China developments. Political observers note that while the pact strengthens defence ties, it also exposes India to a more complex geopolitical environment, where loyalties and leverage may shift rapidly. For South Asia, the pact signals a more assertive India seeking to secure its interests amid major power rivalries. Yet, with Washington balancing relations between Beijing and New Delhi, regional analysts warn that India's ambitions could face new strategic tests in the months ahead.
