• In meeting with Philippines defense chief, Hegseth says 2 sides ‘will work relentlessly to reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea’

ISLAMABAD / ISTANBUL 

The US and India on Friday signed a 10-year defense framework, according to defense chiefs.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he signed the pact during his meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital.

"I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Framework. This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. We're enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been stronger," he wrote on the US social media company X after the meeting.

On his part, Singh called his meeting with Hegseth "fruitful" and said they signed the 10-year "Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership."

"This will usher in a new era in our already strong defense partnership. This Defence Framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US Defence Relationship," he said in a separate statement on X.

Singh added that the pact was also a signal of their growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership.

“Defense will remain as a major pillar of our bilateral relations. Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region," he added.

Hegseth and Singh are in Malaysia attending the two-day ASEAN Defense Ministers’ meeting.

'Reestablish deterrence' in South China Sea

The Pentagon chief separately met with the Philippines' National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Kuala Lumpur.

It was their fourth meeting this year, “to advance our strong defense partnership,” said Hegseth.

“We will work relentlessly to reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea and advance our alliance,” he added.

The Philippines is one of the oldest military allies of the US in Asia-Pacific, hosting the US’ Typhon missile system, while American soldiers can also access Filipino military bases.

The disputed South China Sea has seen tensions persist between the Philippines and China, which has vast claims in the resource-rich water body.

Hegseth’s first trip to Asia in March included a visit to the Philippines as well.

The Pentagon chief also met with Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and the two sides discussed “deepening our defense ties.”

“Indonesia is a valued partner and an anchor of regional stability,” said the Pentagon chief on X.

Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with Malaysia

The Pentagon chief also met with Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin on Thursday as the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation.

It "solidifies over 40 years of bilateral defense ties and a shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity," said a statement about the pact.

Hegseth and Mohamed also announced the renewal of an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.

Mohamed "is a clear-eyed leader who is willing to work with us to pursue peace through strength and understands the challenges we all face in the South China Sea," Hegseth said on X.