India and the United States are moving to deepen their strategic cooperation across the Indian Ocean, with maritime security, strategic infrastructure and regional connectivity emerging as key areas of focus. The latest discussions underline the growing importance both countries attach to maintaining a secure, stable and well-connected Indian Ocean region.
The issue was discussed during a telephone conversation between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State Allison M. Hooker. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two officials explored opportunities for practical cooperation and greater complementarity in the Indian Ocean Region, while taking into account the priorities of partner countries.
At the centre of the discussions was the India-US Indian Ocean Strategic Venture (IOSV), a bilateral initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their February 2025 talks in Washington. The initiative was established to promote coordinated cooperation across the Indian Ocean, with areas including maritime security, strategic infrastructure, connectivity, investment and commerce.
The latest engagement highlights India’s expanding role as a key maritime and security partner in the Indian Ocean. For New Delhi, strengthening cooperation with the United States can support efforts to improve maritime domain awareness, protect critical sea lanes and enhance regional connectivity. It also complements India’s broader approach of working with Indian Ocean partner countries according to their individual priorities.
Strategic infrastructure is another important component of the emerging partnership. Cooperation in areas such as connectivity and undersea cable networks could become increasingly significant as reliable maritime and digital infrastructure becomes closely linked to economic security and regional resilience. The two countries have also identified opportunities spanning the Western Indian Ocean, West Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
The discussions come at a time when maritime security is gaining greater strategic importance. Disruptions to commercial shipping, piracy concerns and competition over critical maritime infrastructure have reinforced the need for stronger international cooperation across the Indian Ocean. India has also continued to strengthen maritime partnerships with regional countries, including through defence and capacity-building engagements.
For India and the US, the IOSV provides a platform to translate their broader strategic partnership into practical initiatives across the Indian Ocean. The latest talks indicate that both sides are seeking a more coordinated approach that combines security, infrastructure and economic connectivity while remaining responsive to the requirements of regional partner nations.
As the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly important to global trade, energy flows and strategic competition, closer India-US cooperation could play a significant role in supporting a free, secure and connected maritime region.