Writtenย Byย Noman, Global Politics Analystย | Oct 31, 2025 |ย Global Politics
India and US have signed a 10-year defence cooperation framework in Kuala Lumpur, strengthening military, technological, and strategic ties between India and US across the Indo-Pacific region.
India and US Sign 10-Year Defense Framework in Kuala Lumpur
A new phase in Indo-Pacific security cooperation starts as both nations strengthen military and strategic ties.
In the context of India and US relations, this new phase in Indo-Pacific security cooperation starts as both nations strengthen military and strategic ties.
This agreement between India and US is a significant development for regional stability. The document outlines a long-term collaboration on defense technology, joint exercises, and maritime operations across the Indo-Pacific region, now central to global power dynamics.
India and the United States have inked a 10-year defense cooperation framework during high-level talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This agreement is a significant development for regional stability. The document outlines a long-term collaboration on defense technology, joint exercises, and maritime operations across the Indo-Pacific region, now central to global power dynamics.
Officials called the accord a “forward-looking blueprint” that will shape the defense relationship between the two democracies for the next decade.
A Long-Term Commitment to Shared Security
It sets a frame for a decade-long relationship, hitherto unprecedented between the two countries. It builds on previous defense agreements. It lays out concrete and quantifiable targets for modernization and cooperation.
The key elements of the deal include:
* Joint development and exchange of advanced defense technologies.
* Expanded military training and interoperability programs.
* Closer coordination on maritime surveillance and logistics.
The partnership between India and US reaffirms both countries’ commitment to “maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
* Intelligence sharing on terrorism and regional threats would continue.
According to a joint statement, the agreement reaffirms both countries’ commitment to “maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Kuala Lumpur: A Symbolic Venue
As part of the Indo-Pacific strategy, the partnership between India and US is crucial for addressing the region’s complexities.
The defense framework illustrates how India and US aim to enhance regional stability amidst rising tensions.
While past IndoโUS defense discussions generally take place in Washington or New Delhi, the signing was held in Kuala Lumpur on purpose. Malaysia is in the center of Southeast Asia and has a tradition of diplomatic neutrality; this sends a clear message: this partnership is regional, not exclusive.
By meeting on neutral ground, both sides underscored a cooperative approach that invites engagement with ASEAN partners rather than excluding them. Analysts say this choice underlines an effort to project collaboration rather than confrontation.
The Indo-Pacific Context
The Indo-Pacific has gradually become the most contested strategic zone in the world due to increasing tensions over trade, technology, and territorial disputes. This new defense framework reflects a shared recognition that regional stability depends on joint readiness and technological integration rather than unilateral military dominance.
A Singapore-based expert in defense affairs observed:
Both India and US have agreed to collaborate on defense innovation and co-production, enhancing their strategic partnership.
“This is less about building new alliances, more about strengthening those existing partnerships that can respond together to complex security challenges.
The agreement also marks Washington’s continued effort to position India as a cornerstone of its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Technology and Co-Production are at the Core
One of the practical aspects of the framework is its emphasis on defense innovation and co-production. Both countries have agreed to collaborate on:
Artificial Intelligence and drone technologies
* Cybersecurity and digital defense systems.
Naval modernization and missile defense development.
For India, it aligns with the “Make in India” vision, which includes a call for local manufacturing and knowledge transfer. For the US, it strengthens a dependable defense partner in an ever-changing region.
The ongoing collaboration between India and US is expected to lead to new strategic developments in the region.
Regional and Global Reactions
Initial reactions from regional observers have been generally positive. Several ASEAN countries have welcomed the deal as a stabilizing force in the face of growing uncertainty in the South China Sea.
Initial reports from Chinese media outlets called the move โan example of bloc politics,โ which suggests Beijing will be watching closely.
Elsewhere, Japan and Australia โ fellow Quad members โ hailed the agreement as a “long-term investment in regional stability.”
Looking Ahead
It is expected that implementation committees start working at the beginning of 2026, while the first joint exercises within the new framework are scheduled for next summer in the Bay of Bengal.
The 10-year agreement sets the tone for a new phase of strategic trust between the worldโs two largest democracies. If executed effectively, it could mark a turning point in how the Indo-Pacific manages competition, cooperation, and collective defense in the coming decade.
Key Takeaways * India and the United States (India and US) have signed a 10-year defense cooperation framework in Kuala Lumpur. * The agreement focuses on defense technology, maritime security, and intelligence sharing. * It positions India as a central player in the Indo-Pacific security structure. * Regional reactions display cautious optimism and strategic curiosity.
What is the IndiaโUS 10-Year Defense Framework?
Itโs a long-term agreement between India and the United States to strengthen cooperation in defense technology, joint training, intelligence sharing, and maritime security for the next decade.
What is the Lemoa agreement between India and USA?
LEMOA is an acronym for the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement. It isย a Military agreement between Armed Forces of India and the USA that establishes basic terms, conditions, procedures for Logistic support, supplies, and services.
Why was Kuala Lumpur chosen for the signing?
Kuala Lumpur was selected as a neutral and strategic location in Southeast Asia, emphasizing a cooperative regional approach rather than a bilateral show of strength.
What are the key areas of cooperation under this framework?
The agreement includes technology sharing, joint military exercises, defense innovation, maritime surveillance, and counter-terrorism coordination.
Why is it called 123 Agreement?
Why is it called 123 Agreement? The bilateral โAgreement for Co-operation between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energyโ has been done in view of the requirement for the US side under Section 123 of its Atomic Energy Act 1954.
How will this benefit India?
India will gain access to advanced defense technologies, opportunities for co-production, and greater international defense collaboration, aligning with its โMake in Indiaโ defense goals.
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