Strengthening strategic cooperation between two key Indo-Pacific partners, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, on Monday called on India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi during his ongoing official visit to India.
According to a social media post by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), the discussions reaffirmed the “strong and growing India–US Defence Partnership,” highlighting the convergence of strategic interests between the two democracies and their shared commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
During the meeting, both military leaders deliberated on expanding cooperation across multiple operational domains. Key areas of discussion included enhancing military interoperability, strengthening joint operational capabilities, and increasing coordination between the armed forces of the two nations.
The dialogue reflects the steady evolution of India–US defence engagement from transactional cooperation to a more integrated strategic partnership. Over the past decade, both countries have intensified joint exercises, defence technology collaboration, and information-sharing mechanisms aimed at improving readiness and coordinated responses to emerging security challenges.
Officials noted that improving interoperability — the ability of forces from different countries to operate seamlessly together — remains central to bilateral military cooperation. This includes coordinated maritime operations, joint exercises, and enhanced communication systems between armed forces.
Admiral Paparo’s visit comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region continues to witness shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing emphasis on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and rules-based international order. India and the United States increasingly view cooperation in the region as vital for maintaining stability and deterring security threats.
As Commander of USINDOPACOM, Admiral Paparo oversees American military operations across a vast region stretching from the west coast of the United States to the Indian Ocean — an area of critical importance to both Washington and New Delhi.
India’s role as a major regional power and a key partner in maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific has gained prominence in recent years, with defence cooperation emerging as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
Admiral Paparo is on a six-day official visit to India beginning February 14, during which he is expected to engage with senior military leadership and defence officials to explore avenues for deeper collaboration.
The visit underscores the growing frequency of high-level military exchanges between the two countries, reflecting mutual trust and expanding strategic alignment. Defence cooperation has increasingly included joint exercises such as naval engagements, air force coordination, and tri-service interactions designed to enhance operational synergy.
Analysts view such engagements as reinforcing institutional linkages between the armed forces of both nations while supporting broader diplomatic and strategic objectives.
The meeting between Admiral Paparo and General Chauhan signals continued momentum in India–US defence relations, driven by shared security concerns and common democratic values. As both countries seek to address evolving regional challenges, deeper military cooperation is expected to remain a defining feature of the bilateral partnership.
With sustained dialogue, joint planning, and expanded operational coordination, the India–US defence partnership is increasingly positioned as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
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