NEW DELHI, INDIA: India has hailed its latest 10-year strategic defence pact with the United States as a milestone in strengthening bilateral and regional security ties, even as Washington and Beijing edge closer following the Trump–Xi summit.
The agreement, announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US counterpart Peter Hegseth, focuses on deepening intelligence cooperation, advancing defence technology, and enhancing maritime coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian officials described the deal as a “turning point” in New Delhi’s evolving strategic role, positioning India as a key US ally amid shifting global alignments.
However, the timing of the pact coincided with the Trump–Xi meeting, where both leaders discussed reducing tariffs and enhancing rare-earth trade — a move that analysts say could reshape the regional power balance. Some Indian experts voiced concerns that renewed US-China warmth might dilute Washington’s strategic focus on New Delhi, potentially complicating India’s long-term security calculus.
Despite the diplomatic undercurrents, the Indian Foreign Ministry maintained a cautious stance, saying the government continues to assess the broader implications of the US-China developments. Political observers noted that while the pact strengthens defence ties, it also exposes India to a more complex geopolitical environment — one where loyalties and leverage may shift quickly.
For South Asia, the pact signals a more assertive India seeking to secure its interests amid major power rivalries. Yet, with Washington seemingly balancing relations between Beijing and New Delhi, regional analysts warn that India’s ambitions could face new strategic tests in the months ahead.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.