New Delhi, 1 July 2025 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth today. They focused on expanding military cooperation, logistics, industrial ties, joint exercises, and capacity‑building.
Critical Defence Engine Deliveries and Joint Manufacturing
Singh emphasized urgent delivery of GE404 jet engines vital for India’s fighter fleet. He also called for swift finalization of the F414 engine transfer pact. The plan includes joint manufacturing of these advanced engines in India. Additionally, they discussed on‑time delivery of Apache attack helicopters to modernize the armed forces.
Counter‑Terror Support and Operation Sindoor Update
Singh expressed gratitude for US support in counter‑terror efforts. He highlighted that Operation Sindoor was measured, non‑escalatory, and designed to disable terrorist infrastructure. Hegseth reaffirmed America’s ongoing support, describing it as essential to shared security goals.
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Industrial Interoperability and Joint Exercises
They agreed to deepen interoperability by integrating defence industrial supply chains and sharing logistics networks. Plans also include more joint military exercises and engaging like‑minded defence partners. Both leaders emphasized a long‑term roadmap for enhanced defence ties.
Training, Military Exchanges, and In‑Person Engagement
The two committed to expanding training programs and officer exchanges. They agreed Singh would visit the US by year‑end for face‑to‑face strategic talks. Singh noted on X that these discussions aim to steer both ongoing and future initiatives, marking their third telephonic conversation since Hegseth took office in January.
Reaffirmation of Strategic Pillars at Pentagon
In parallel, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met with Hegseth at the Pentagon. Both emphasized that defence ties are now among the most consequential pillars of India‑US relations. Hegseth confirmed US plans to finalize major defence sales, expand industrial collaboration, strengthen interoperability, and formalize a major defence partnership framework before Singh’s visit.
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