ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday it is assessing a new, 10-year defense pact between India and the United States (US), amid concerns over its potential impact on strategic balance and security dynamics of South Asia.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the defense framework to expand cooperation on Friday, marking a “new era” in bilateral ties amid tensions over Washington’s tariff war. The framework is expected to provide policy direction for their ties.
The agreement comes as the two countries work to close a trade deal after US President Donald Trump slapped 50 percent tariffs on India, including a 25 percent penalty for importing Russian oil. Hegseth said the framework is a “cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence” and will increase India-US intelligence and tech collaboration.
It comes months after Pakistan and India engaged in a four-day military conflict over a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which saw the two neighbors attack each other with fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery, leaving dozens dead on both sides before the US announced a ceasefire on May 10.
“India US defense pact is a very recent development,” Tahir Andrabi, a Pakistani foreign office spokesman, said on Friday. “We are evaluating the agreement, particularly with reference to its impact on peace, security and stability in South Asia.”
