04.11.2025, New Delhi.
The signing of a long-term defense agreement with the United States confirms that New Delhi has no intention of severing ties with Washington, Rossa Primavera News Agency India Desk wrote.
On October 31, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth signed an agreement to deepen bilateral defense relations for a period of ten years.
The Indian minister stated that the agreement “will usher a new era in an already strong defence partnership” and emphasized that relations between India and the United States are “critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-bound Indo-Pacific region.”
The signing of the agreement took place amid a prolonged trade conflict between New Delhi and Washington. US President Donald Trump imposed draconian tariffs on Indian goods over the summer, hoping to pressure India into accepting an unfavorable trade deal.
Specifically, the United States wants India to stop purchasing Russian oil. New Delhi has consistently defended its position and has not made major concessions in trade negotiations.
As a kind of diplomatic gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to China in seven years at the end of August. The two countries resumed air travel, which had been suspended several years earlier due to border tensions.
However, India’s actions should not be seen as a complete break with the United States. New Delhi has no desire to fully abandon cooperation with Washington and be left alone to face a powerful China.
India will continue to maneuver diplomatically and maintain partnerships with as many countries as possible. The newly signed defense agreement with the United States is a clear indicator of this approach.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
