US PACOM Chief Meets Andaman Command Chief on Defence Ties

US PACOM chief Admiral Samuel Paparo meets Andaman and Nicobar Command chief Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty to discuss India-US defence cooperation and regional security ahead of Paparo’s Japan visit.

US Pacific Command (PACOM) chief Admiral Samuel Paparo has met Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command, to discuss strengthening military cooperation between India and the United States. The meeting comes as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership and promote stability across the Indo-Pacific region ahead of Paparo’s visit to Japan.

The US Embassy in India announced the meeting on today, through a post on social media platform X. It highlighted the continued progress of the India-US Major Defence Partnership and the two countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation between their armed forces.

Also Read: How to Start a Spice Manufacturing Business

Paparo’s interaction with McCarty forms part of broader efforts to strengthen defence engagement and coordinate on shared regional security priorities. The Andaman and Nicobar Command holds strategic importance because of its location near key maritime routes linking the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific. Cooperation involving the command is relevant to maritime security and regional coordination.

Paparo arrived in New Delhi in early October for an official visit aimed at advancing bilateral defence relations. During his visit, he held discussions with senior Indian defence and military officials on strategic cooperation and regional and global security developments.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also met the US Pacific Command chief in New Delhi. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the discussions focused on strengthening defence and strategic cooperation and exchanging perspectives on international and regional issues. Paparo also met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with talks covering the bilateral security partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Earlier, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor hosted Paparo at Roosevelt House in New Delhi during the admiral’s October 5-8 visit. The gathering brought together senior Indian military leaders and underscored Washington’s commitment to advancing defence engagement with New Delhi.

Also Read: How Electronic Manufacturing in India Drives Global Growth

Paparo commands the US Pacific Command, one of the American military’s largest geographic combatant commands, overseeing approximately 400,000 military and civilian personnel across a vast region spanning much of the globe.

The latest meeting reflects continued high-level military engagement between India and the United States as both countries work to strengthen defence coordination and support a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.