Rajnath raises U.S. F-16 package for Pakistan, cross-border terrorism with Hegseth

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), on October 28, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (October 28, 2026) raised India’s concerns over Washington’s support package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines.

The two leaders also discussed the threat of cross-border terrorism, with Mr. Hegseth reaffirming Washington’s support to India in combating the menace.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting provided an opportunity to review progress under the India-U.S. Major Defence Partnership, including the implementation of foundational security agreements and avenues to enhance operational readiness, technology sharing and defence industrial integration.

Mr. Singh emphasised the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards countries that support, train or finance terrorist organisations. He expressed appreciation for the consistent support extended by the U.S. in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.

Mr. Singh also conveyed to Mr. Hegseth that any transfer of advanced military technology to Pakistan could ultimately result in the technology reaching a third country, raising concerns over its wider proliferation and implications for regional security.

The two Ministers also reviewed the ten-year India-U.S. Defence Framework and discussed strengthening military-to-military exchanges, maritime security cooperation and resilient defence supply chains. In a post on X, Mr. Singh described the robust India-U.S. partnership as a cornerstone of a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.

Separately, Mr. Singh held talks with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, reviewing progress in bilateral defence cooperation since their meeting in August.

The discussions covered maritime security cooperation, including enhancing mine countermeasure capabilities and exploring joint development in naval shipbuilding and design by combining Japan’s technological expertise with India’s manufacturing capabilities.

The two sides also discussed expanding air force cooperation following the first-ever visit of Japanese fighter aircraft to India for the ‘Veer Guardian 26’ exercise. They welcomed the India-Japan Defence Industry Forum in Tokyo, which saw participation from around 40 companies.

Both Ministers agreed to accelerate preparations for the fourth India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) and the Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo later this year. Mr. Singh said the partnership was vital for a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific.

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