EXCLUSIVE: India–US Defence partnership stays firm despite trade negotiation swings, says Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

India’s defence engagement with the United States continues to deepen, even as the two sides navigate fluctuations in trade talks, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has said, underlining that military cooperation remains 'robust and uninterrupted.'

Speaking on India’s broader defence strategy, Singh stressed that diversification lies at the heart of New Delhi’s approach. India works with multiple global partners to strengthen its military capabilities, with the US emerging as one of the most significant collaborators in recent years.

Referring to the recently agreed interim trade framework between India and the US, Singh said that while trade negotiations often see ups and downs, defence cooperation has not been impacted. “On the military and defence engagement side, we have not seen any setbacks at all. The outcome has been satisfactory and win-win for both countries,” he noted.

He pointed out that the foundation of the relationship was laid even before the trade arrangement, with a ten-year defence cooperation framework signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart. That agreement, Singh said, has ensured continuity in joint exercises, operational coordination and technology collaboration.

According to the Defence Secretary, communication channels between the two nations remain strong, allowing cooperation to move forward smoothly. Joint military exercises and other collaborative programmes are progressing without disruption.

Singh also revealed that India has sought specific precision ammunition from the US under emergency procurement procedures in connection with Operation Zindur. The process, he said, is already underway and reflects the level of trust and operational coordination between the two countries.

Beyond immediate needs, India is continuing to evaluate American defence platforms and weapon systems that can plug capability gaps in the armed forces. However, Singh made it clear that the same principle applies to all partners. “Whether it is France, Israel, Germany or the US, we look for options that suit our operational requirements and strengthen our capabilities,” he said.

India’s strategy, he added, is not about dependence on a single supplier but about choosing the best technologies and systems across geographies to meet national security objectives.

With expanding joint exercises, emergency procurement cooperation and long-term frameworks already in place, the India–US defence partnership is positioned to remain a key pillar of New Delhi’s global security engagement, even as economic negotiations evolve on a separate track.