Cebu [Philippines]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28, to review progress under the 10-year India-US Defence Framework. The meeting focused on strengthening defence cooperation across military technology, information sharing and co-production.
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Singh described the discussions as productive, saying the two sides reviewed progress under the framework and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. Hegseth also said that the meeting marked the framework’s first anniversary and that both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation.
Signed in October 2025, the framework sets a long-term direction for expanding the India-US Major Defence Partnership over the next decade. It aimed to strengthen strategic alignment and advance cooperation in defence capabilities and emerging military technologies.
The meeting came amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, where both countries have an interest in regional stability and closer defence coordination. Their cooperation also built on earlier agreements covering logistics support, communications interoperability and geospatial information sharing.
Singh is in Cebu to lead India’s delegation at ADMM-Plus, being held on October 28–29. Alongside the multilateral meeting, he is engaging with defence counterparts from participating countries to review existing ties and explore opportunities for stronger strategic partnerships.
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