Raksha Mantri & US Secretary of Defense talk over phone; Discuss ways to further augment defence ties with focus on expanding industry collaboration

Raksha Mantri & US Secretary of Defense talk over phone; Discuss ways to further augment defence ties with focus on expanding industry collaboration

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth held a telephonic conversation on July 01, 2025. The two leaders discussed a wide canvas of issues ranging from long-term cooperation in the defence sector, including training and military exchanges, to expanding the industry collaboration. They agreed to further build upon the momentum of this critical & mutually beneficial partnership across all its pillars such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises and cooperation with other like-minded partners.

Raksha Mantri appreciated the unwavering support extended by US to India for its fight against terrorism. He stated that Pakistan’s long track record of cross-border terrorism is well known globally, adding that it has become a safe haven for terrorists from around the world as internationally banned terrorists enjoy immunity there.

Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Shri Rajnath Singh said India reserves the right to respond & defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter any further cross-border attacks. India’s actions were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and focused on disabling terrorist infrastructure, he added.

Raksha Mantri complimented the US Secretary of Defense for his dynamic leadership which has propelled defence cooperation between US and India to new levels. Mr Pete Hegseth invited Shri Rajnath Singh to US for an in-person meeting to take the bilateral defence partnership forward.

In a post on X, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the discussions were held to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership & strengthen cooperation in capacity building. He looked forward to meeting the US Secretary of Defense at an early date.

Glad to speak with the US @SecDef Mr. @PeteHegseth today. Excellent discussion to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building.

Conveyed my deep appreciation for the unwavering support…

This was their third telephonic conversation since January this year when Mr Pete Hegseth was confirmed as US Secretary of Defense.