External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday held talks with Commander of the United States Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J Paparo, with the discussions focusing on strengthening the India-US security partnership and expanding maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Paparo is on a six-day official visit to India that began on Saturday, with engagements aimed at advancing the India-US Major Defence Partnership and deepening military-to-military cooperation. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor was also present during his meeting with Jaishankar.
“Glad to meet @USPACOM Commander Adm. Samuel J. Paparo. Discussed advancing our security partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar said in a social media post following the meeting.
Maritime security has emerged as an important component of India-US defence cooperation, with both countries expanding naval engagement and focusing on maintaining security and stability across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.
The US Pacific Command plays a key role in Washington’s military posture in the region, including through security cooperation with partners and responses to regional contingencies.
Gor said the meeting was aimed at building on the momentum in the India-US Major Defence Partnership and strengthening security for both countries.
Paparo’s visit comes amid continuing efforts by New Delhi and Washington to deepen defence cooperation across multiple domains. The relationship has expanded beyond conventional military engagement to include emerging technologies, information-sharing, interoperability and defence innovation.
The two countries also conduct several bilateral and multilateral military exercises, while their armed forces have increased operational interaction over recent years.
During his India visit, Paparo is scheduled to engage with Indian officials on a range of shared security priorities. These include harnessing digital transformation and emerging technologies, maintaining regional strategic stability and navigating an increasingly competitive technological landscape.
The agenda reflects the widening scope of the defence relationship as emerging technologies become increasingly important to military capabilities and national security.
The US side said cooperation between India and the United States was evolving to address future security challenges, with emerging technology and maritime security among the principal areas of engagement.
Paparo’s visit also underscores Washington’s continued focus on the Indian Ocean region. The strategic waters connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans carry some of the world’s most important maritime trade and energy routes, making maritime security an increasingly significant component of regional cooperation.
India occupies a central geographical position in the Indian Ocean and has steadily expanded maritime engagement with partners across the region. New Delhi has maintained that its Indo-Pacific approach supports a free, open and inclusive region based on respect for sovereignty, international law and freedom of navigation.
The Jaishankar-Paparo meeting comes days after Indian Army chief General Dhiraj Seth met Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, in New Delhi on September 28.
The two military commanders discussed the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and opportunities to expand bilateral defence engagement. Their interaction also focused on improving interoperability through joint training and military exercises.
The Indian Army said the outcome of Exercise Yudh Abhyas demonstrated the growing ability of the two forces to operate together and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
Paparo is expected to hold further meetings with senior Indian officials during the remainder of his visit, with maritime security, defence technology and regional stability forming key elements of the discussions.
His six-day visit comes as India and the United States seek to broaden their defence relationship from joint exercises and military exchanges to closer cooperation in maritime security, emerging technologies and strategic challenges across the Indo-Pacific.