India–U.S. 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework The agreement is titled the “Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership.” It outlines a 10-year road map for strategic collaboration, marking a new phase aimed at “advancing peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific.” The new framework builds upon the 2013 Joint Principles for Defence Cooperation and the 2016 recognition of India as a Major Defence Partner (MDP). Marks a new 10-year framework to deepen collaboration across all defence domains — land, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace. Core Objectives of the Framework Maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Enhance interoperability between Indian and U.S. forces. Strengthen maritime security to ensure unhindered global trade and commerce. Prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Promote defence industrial innovation through advanced technology partnerships. Expand cooperation with like-minded partners via mechanisms such as the Quad. COMPACT Initiative Both sides had earlier launched the COMPACT initiative – Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology. Objective: To drive transformative changes in key areas of defence cooperation and trade.
