External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Commander of the US Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J. Paparo in New Delhi on October 4, with the discussions focusing on strengthening the India-US security partnership and expanding maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor was also present during the meeting. Jaishankar said the two sides discussed advancing their security partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the growing importance of India-US coordination in the strategically significant region.
Admiral Paparo is on a six-day visit to India from October 3 to 8 aimed at strengthening the India-US Major Defence Partnership and expanding military-to-military cooperation. During his visit, he is engaging with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Armed Forces on shared security priorities and emerging challenges across the Indo-Pacific.
The discussions are expected to cover a range of areas, including digital transformation, emerging critical technologies, regional strategic stability and defence energy resilience. The two countries are also looking at ways to navigate an increasingly competitive technology environment while strengthening their ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
Maritime security remains an important pillar of the expanding India-US defence relationship. Both countries have increasingly focused on cooperation across the Indian Ocean and wider Indo-Pacific, including military exercises, operational coordination and efforts to improve interoperability between their armed forces.
The latest engagement follows a series of high-level military interactions between India and the United States. On September 28, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth met US Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell in New Delhi. Their discussions covered the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence engagement. The meeting also highlighted joint training and military exercises, including the recently concluded Exercise Yudh Abhyas.
The latest visit by Admiral Paparo therefore comes as India and the United States continue to broaden their defence cooperation beyond traditional military exchanges. Emerging technologies, maritime security, defence resilience and regional stability are becoming increasingly important elements of the partnership.
The US Embassy has described the relationship as a defence partnership focused on emerging technology and maritime security, while highlighting the enduring US presence and interests in the Indian Ocean region.
Admiral Paparo’s India visit underlines the continued strategic importance Washington and New Delhi attach to maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. The discussions are expected to support greater coordination between the two countries as they seek to strengthen defence cooperation and address emerging security challenges across the region.