India US Discuss Stronger Defence and Strategic Partnership

India and the US review ways to deepen defence and strategic cooperation, focusing on Indo-Pacific security, military interoperability, defence technology, information sharing and regional security challenges.

India and the United States discuss measures to further strengthen their defence and strategic partnership during a meeting between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Pacific Command. The meeting also covers a range of regional and global security developments.

The discussions focus on expanding defence cooperation between the two countries, with both sides emphasising closer coordination in the Indo-Pacific and greater interoperability between their armed forces. The engagement comes amid growing strategic importance of the region and the shared interest of India and the US in maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment.

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India and the US have steadily expanded their defence relationship across several areas, including military exercises, maritime security, defence technology, intelligence sharing, logistics support and professional military exchanges. Regular engagements between their armed forces provide opportunities to improve operational coordination strengthen preparedness and develop greater familiarity with each other’s capabilities.

Maritime security remains an important pillar of the partnership, particularly as both countries seek to enhance cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. Bilateral and multilateral military exercises involving the Indian and US armed forces contribute to improving interoperability and coordination during complex operational scenarios.

The two countries also have established institutional frameworks that support operational and information-sharing cooperation. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement provide mechanisms for closer coordination, logistical support and secure communication between the armed forces.

Defence technology and industrial cooperation emerge as another significant component of the bilateral relationship. India and the US continue to explore opportunities for greater co-development, co-production, technology cooperation and integration of defence supply chains. Such cooperation supports efforts to strengthen domestic defence capabilities while creating opportunities for deeper industrial engagement.

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The meeting takes place against the backdrop of evolving security challenges across the Indo-Pacific and other regions. India and the US share an interest in strengthening their ability to respond to emerging threats while supporting a free, open, secure and rules-based regional order.

Both sides reiterate their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with defence and security cooperation continuing to serve as a key pillar. The latest engagement reinforces their focus on closer military coordination, technological collaboration and strategic cooperation in support of regional stability.