In a significant stride toward enhancing strategic defense cooperation, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Pete Hegseth engaged in a comprehensive telephonic dialogue, reaffirming the shared commitment of India and the United States to strengthen bilateral defense ties. This high-level conversation, held on July 1, 2025, underscores the evolving depth of the India-U.S. strategic partnership, with a particular focus on expanding defense industrial collaboration and advancing mutual strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the call, both leaders conducted a wide-ranging review of ongoing defense cooperation initiatives, placing renewed emphasis on interoperability, enhanced logistics sharing, and the integration of defense supply chains. The discussions addressed the importance of institutionalizing mechanisms for greater synergy in joint military training, defense technology sharing, and multi-domain operations.
Raksha Mantri On Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific
The Raksha Mantri emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific, while acknowledging the consistent support extended by the United States in countering terrorism and promoting regional security. He expressed appreciation for the dynamic leadership demonstrated by Secretary Hegseth, which has played a pivotal role in scaling new heights in bilateral defense cooperation.
In their deliberations, the two defense leaders underscored the importance of scaling up joint military exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India, which continue to bolster readiness and operational synergy between the Indian Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces. They also discussed pathways for enhancing maritime domain awareness, joint defense R&D, and collaboration between defense startups and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) under the framework of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
Defense Industrial Base and Strategic Supply Chains
A key focus of the conversation was on building resilient and secure defense industrial ecosystems. Shri Rajnath Singh and Mr. Pete Hegseth highlighted the strategic imperative of integrating defense supply chains to ensure operational readiness and redundancy. The leaders agreed to explore deeper engagements between Indian and American defense manufacturers under the auspices of the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
The Raksha Mantri reiterated India’s interest in expanding co-development and co-production of advanced defense platforms, which align with the national goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defense sector. Secretary Hegseth welcomed the progress made in this domain and extended a formal invitation to Shri Rajnath Singh to visit the United States for in-person deliberations aimed at finalizing actionable agendas.
Institutionalizing Strategic Dialogue
This telephonic exchange marked the third conversation between Shri Rajnath Singh and Secretary Hegseth since the latter’s confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Defense in January 2025. The frequent high-level engagements are reflective of the robust institutional mechanisms underpinning the India-U.S. defense relationship. The two leaders agreed to further consolidate these mechanisms through working groups and dialogue platforms established under the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue format.
Regional Security and Multilateral Cooperation
The conversation also explored opportunities for cooperation with like-minded partners, especially within frameworks such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), where India and the U.S. collaborate closely with Japan and Australia to uphold international maritime law and ensure freedom of navigation. Both ministers reiterated their commitment to regional peace and security, highlighting the role of multilateral military exercises and coordinated defense postures in deterring coercion and aggression.
In a post on the social media platform X, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stated,
“Glad to speak with the US Sec Def Mr. Pete Hegseth today. Excellent discussion to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building. Conveyed my deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by the US to India in its fight against terrorism. Looking forward to meet him at an early date.”
The Road Ahead
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the reaffirmation of defense cooperation between India and the United States serves as a strategic anchor for regional and global stability. The emphasis on interoperability, defense industrial integration, and multilateral coordination illustrates the maturing contours of this partnership.
With both nations aligned on long-term strategic interests, the India-U.S. defense relationship is poised for further growth, fostering mutual trust, enhancing capabilities, and reinforcing their shared commitment to a secure and rules-based international order.
