U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Enhances Defence Cooperation During Strategic Visit to India
Bengaluru, February 19, 2026: Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, concluded a pivotal five-day visit to India from February 14 to 19. The visit aimed to bolster bilateral defence cooperation and strengthen military coordination between the United States and India.
During his visit, Adm. Paparo engaged in discussions across New Delhi, Chandimandir, and Bengaluru, underscoring India's vital role in ensuring security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The meetings focused on expanding collaboration across various domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
In New Delhi, Adm. Paparo met with prominent Indian defence officials, such as Gen. Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, and Adm. Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The discussions primarily revolved around mutual security interests, emphasizing efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific and enhance operational interoperability between the two nations' armed forces.
An alumni gathering organized by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) was attended by Indian graduates of its programs. This event provided a platform to strengthen professional networks and explore collaborative solutions to regional security challenges.
In Chandimandir, Adm. Paparo, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, toured India's Western Command. The discussions there addressed operational security dynamics along India's western and northern frontiers, reflecting shared concerns over evolving regional challenges.
The final part of the visit in Bengaluru highlighted defence industrial cooperation and technological collaboration. Adm. Paparo visited the Aeronautical Development Agency and the National Flight Test Center, emphasizing opportunities for expanded cooperation in aerospace innovation and defence research.
He also engaged with U.S. and Indian industry and technology leaders to advance collaboration in emerging domains such as artificial intelligence and advanced defence technologies. Along with Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, Paparo participated in a U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum event focusing on defence innovation, Quad cooperation, and the recently signed 10-year defence framework.
In 2016, the United States designated India as a Major Defense Partner, building on previous joint principles for defence cooperation. On October 31, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed the 2025 Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur. This agreement represents the most comprehensive update to bilateral defence ties to date and will guide strategic cooperation over the next decade.
As a key member of the Quad grouping alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, India remains central to strengthening maritime, economic, and technological security in the Indo-Pacific. Recent Quad field exercises have advanced the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, further enhancing coordination and readiness.
Regular bilateral exercises like Malabar, Cyber Flag, Tiger Triumph, Yudh Abhyas, and Cope India continue to improve operational effectiveness and joint readiness in complex, high-end scenarios.
The visit underscores the growing depth of U.S.-India defence ties and reaffirms both nations' commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
