Pakistan Reviewing India–U.S. Defense Agreement for Regional Implications

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Friday that it is closely examining the recently signed India–United States defense framework agreement, citing the need to assess its potential implications for peace and stability in South Asia.

In an official statement, the Foreign Office Spokesperson described the pact as “a recent development, enforced this morning,” adding that Pakistan is evaluating its impact “particularly in the context of regional peace, security, and strategic stability.”

The remarks come after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the signing of a 10-year defense framework agreement with India. According to international media outlets including Reuters and AFP, Hegseth announced the development in a post on X, calling it “a milestone for regional stability and defense balance,” aimed at deepening cooperation, intelligence sharing, and technological collaboration between the two countries.

He wrote, “Our defense partnership with India is stronger than ever.”

The Hindustan Times reported that the agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, which begins this weekend.

Following the signing, Hegseth thanked Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, calling the deal “one of the world’s most significant U.S.–India partnerships,” grounded in mutual trust, shared interests, and a joint commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized that any such agreements must contribute to stability rather than heighten tensions, reaffirming Islamabad’s stance on maintaining strategic balance in the region.