US-India Defence Cooperation Framework Advances, Faster GE F404 Engine Delivery

Major US defence sales to India are pending. The importance of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries was discussed. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Pete Hegseth have agreed to firm up a 10-year framework. This framework aims to further expand defence and strategic ties between India and the US.

Pentagon Released Official Statement

The decision on the defence framework was mentioned in a Pentagon statement. It was released on Wednesday. Singh and US Defence Secretary Hegseth had held a phone conversation the day before.

“Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh agreed to sign the next 10-year US-India Defence Framework. They will sign it when they next meet this year,” it said.

Also read: Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Discuss Key Initiatives

It said the two sides discussed pending major US defence sales to India. They emphasized the imperative of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. “Secretary Hegseth emphasised the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia,” the Pentagon said.

It said the two leaders reviewed the “considerable progress.” Both countries have made strides toward achieving the defence goals. These goals were set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The two discussed pending major US defence sales to India. They emphasized the imperative of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. The Pentagon readout said this without providing further details.

Rajnath Singh Urged to Speed Up Delivery of GE F404 Engines

In the phone conversation on Tuesday, Singh urged Hegseth to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines. These engines are needed to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, people familiar with the matter said.

Singh also pitched for early finalisation. He discussed a proposed deal between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and US defence major GE Aerospace. They aim for joint production of F414 jet engines in India, they said.

GE Aerospace has delayed the supply of F404 engines. As a result, HAL missed the deadline to supply Tejas Mark 1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force. An Indian readout on Tuesday said Singh and Hegseth discussed a wide canvas of issues. These issues ranged from long-term cooperation in the defence sector. This includes training and military exchanges. They also talked about expanding industry collaborations.

“They agreed to further build upon the momentum of this critical and mutually beneficial partnership. This includes all its pillars such as interoperability. It also involves the integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, and increased joint military exercises. Cooperation with other like-minded partners is also part of this collaboration,” it said.

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