Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and United States Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth held a telephonic conversation on Monday to discuss avenues for deepening defence cooperation between India and the United States.
The discussion covered a wide range of issues, including long-term collaboration in the defence sector, expanded industry partnerships, and enhanced training and military exchanges. Both leaders agreed to build upon the momentum of this critical and mutually beneficial partnership, with a focus on interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises, and cooperation with other like-minded partners.
During the conversation, Singh expressed appreciation for the consistent support extended by the United States to India in its fight against terrorism. Highlighting Pakistan’s track record, he said, “Pakistan’s long track record of cross-border terrorism is well known globally. It has become a safe haven for internationally banned terrorists who enjoy immunity there.”
Referring to India’s recent counterterrorism operation, Operation Sindoor, the defence minister said, “India’s actions during Operation Sindoor were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and focused on disabling terrorist infrastructure.” He underlined that India reserves the right to respond and defend itself against terrorism, and to pre-empt and deter any further cross-border attacks.
Singh also lauded Mr Hegseth for his leadership, which he said has helped elevate India–US defence ties to new levels. In turn, Secretary Hegseth invited Singh for an in-person meeting in the United States to further advance the bilateral partnership.
In a post on X, Singh said the discussion aimed to review ongoing and new initiatives to deepen the defence partnership and strengthen capacity-building cooperation. He added that he looks forward to meeting the US Secretary of Defense at an early date.
This was the third telephonic conversation between Rajnath Singh and Secretary Hegseth since January 2025, when Mr Hegseth assumed office as the US Secretary of Defense.
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