India and U.S. Defence Ties Growing Stronger

The United States and India are increasing their defence cooperation. Recent visits and agreements show a strong partnership focused on keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and stable.
By Newsroom | Defence, International Relations |

U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo's recent visit to India's Western Command highlights a period of intensified collaboration in defence, marked by strategic discussions and shared objectives for a stable Indo-Pacific region. The visit, involving high-ranking officials from both nations, underscores the escalating nature of their security ties.

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Context of Growing Strategic Alignment

The period under review, beginning in late January 2026, has seen a concentrated focus on enhancing the defence partnership between the United States and India. This includes high-level visits and formal agreements aimed at deepening cooperation.

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  • January 28, 2026: U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, spoke of a 10-year defense pact signed the previous year, stating it would "significantly deepen" the strategic partnership.

  • February 15, 2026: Ambassador Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), emphasizing the importance of expanding the defence partnership. Discussions centered on the core pillars of their defence cooperation.

  • Subsequent days to February 16, 2026: Multiple reports detail the visit of Ambassador Gor and Admiral Paparo to the Indian Army's Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir, Haryana. They held "substantive discussions" with Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander, Western Command, concerning "strategic security dynamics along India's Western Front."

  • Ongoing: Reports indicate continued joint efforts, including military exercises, defense sales, and strategic dialogues.

Key Actors and Their Roles

  • U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor: A central figure articulating the strengthening defence ties and welcoming U.S. military leadership during their India visits.

  • Admiral Samuel J. Paparo: Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), whose presence signifies the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region to U.S. security interests.

  • Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar: Army Commander, Western Command, the Indian host who engaged in discussions on security dynamics with the U.S. delegation.

  • U.S. and Indian Defence Establishments: The broader entities involved in implementing joint exercises, defense sales, and strategic dialogues.

Evidence of Intensified Cooperation

The deepening of the Indo-U.S. defence partnership is evidenced by several key developments:

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  • Formal Agreements: The signing of a ten-year Defence Framework Agreement in October 2025, formalizing a significant step toward advancing strategic and defence cooperation. This pact aims to "significantly deepen" the partnership.

  • High-Level Visits: The joint visit of Ambassador Gor and Admiral Paparo to the Indian Army's Western Command highlights a direct engagement on operational and strategic matters.

  • Official Statements: Ambassador Gor's consistent emphasis on the strengthening of the partnership, describing it as vital and undergoing "transformative growth." He has explicitly stated, "Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific."

  • Focus on Strategic Dynamics: Discussions specifically addressed "strategic security dynamics along India's Western Front," indicating a direct engagement with regional security challenges.

Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Security Architecture

A primary objective articulated by both nations is the maintenance of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

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  • Shared Objective: The phrase "Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific" has been repeatedly used, underscoring a unified purpose.

  • Deterrence: The U.S. perspective, as articulated by Ambassador Gor, is that "A strong and capable India, in a durable partnership with the United States, can help provide security and deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific."

  • Operational Coordination: The U.S. is actively pursuing this partnership through increased operational coordination and information sharing.

Expanding Military Collaboration

The partnership is evolving beyond routine engagement to encompass a more comprehensive military alliance.

  • Complex Exercises: The decade has witnessed "increasingly complex military exercises" between the two nations.

  • Defense Sales: "Additional sales are in progress," indicating a continuous flow of military equipment and technology.

  • Industrial and Technological Cooperation: The U.S. is also focused on defense industrial and technology cooperation, suggesting a long-term vision for joint development and production.

A New Phase of Partnership

The current phase of the Indo-U.S. defence relationship is characterized by an enhanced level of collaboration and strategic alignment.

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  • Transformative Growth: The partnership has experienced "transformative growth" over the past decade.

  • Unity of Purpose: Admiral Paparo has highlighted a "unity of purpose" in maintaining peace and expanding military ties, particularly in the maritime domain.

  • Consequential Relationship: The U.S.-India defence relationship is described as "one of the most consequential U.S.-India relationships globally."

Expert Analysis

"The intensifying defense partnership between India and the United States is a significant development in the Indo-Pacific security landscape. It reflects a mutual recognition of shared strategic interests and a collective approach to addressing regional challenges."— (Attributed analysis based on the provided summaries)

Conclusion and Implications

The ongoing intensification of the Indo-U.S. defence partnership, as articulated by U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor and evidenced by high-level visits and formal agreements, signifies a sustained commitment to strengthening security ties. The focus on strategic dynamics along India's Western Front, coupled with broader objectives for a safe Indo-Pacific, suggests a proactive approach to regional stability. The establishment of a ten-year Defence Framework Agreement and continued emphasis on military exercises and sales point to a deepening operational and strategic alignment. This evolving relationship is positioned as a key element in the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening between India and the U.S. regarding defence?
India and the U.S. are working together more closely on defence matters. They have signed a new agreement and are having important meetings.
Q: Why are they working together more?
Both countries want to help make the Indo-Pacific region safe and stable. They believe working together will help achieve this.
Q: What kind of cooperation are they doing?
They are doing joint military exercises, planning defence sales, and talking about security plans. They also signed a 10-year defence agreement.
Q: Who are the important people involved?
U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor and Admiral Samuel Paparo from the U.S. military have met with Indian Army Commander Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar.