New Delhi: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was set to meet his US counterpart, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting. The discussions come at a critical time as both nations seek to de-escalate tensions arising from the recent US tariff hikes on Indian imports.
Officials from both sides confirmed that this will be the first face-to-face meeting between Singh and Hegseth. A key agenda item is India’s planned purchase of six Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal, estimated at over $2 billion, is seen as a strategic move to bolster India’s maritime surveillance capabilities amid growing regional challenges.
The two leaders were also expected to discuss a new defense cooperation framework, aimed at enhancing interoperability, joint exercises, and technology transfer between the two militaries.
As per reports, the meeting could pave the way for a bilateral visit by either Rajnath or Hegseth in the coming months. Rajnath is also expected to address the ASEAN forum on November 1, where he will highlight India’s commitment to regional security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
