Strengthening Ties: Admiral Paparo's Strategic Visit to India

Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, embarked on a strategic visit to India from February 14-19, according to an official statement from USINDOPACOM released on Thursday. His visit aimed to strengthen military ties by discussing shared security interests and enhancing interoperability across various domains.

While in New Delhi, Admiral Paparo conferred with senior Indian defense officials, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. Discussions revolved around mutual interests such as India's role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

One of the key highlights of his trip was an alumni event hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in New Delhi. At this event, Indian alumni of APCSS programs exchanged ideas and explored collaborative solutions to regional security challenges.

During his visit to Chandigarh, Admiral Paparo, alongside U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, engaged with India's Western Command. This meeting addressed the operational security dynamics along India's western and northern fronts.

Concluding his trip in Bengaluru, Admiral Paparo toured the Aeronautical Development Agency and the National Flight Test Center, emphasizing growing defense industrial collaboration. He also participated in the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum event, alongside Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, focusing on emerging technologies and defense cooperation.

The United States recognized India as a Major Defence Partner in 2016, building on earlier defense principles to guide future cooperation, notably the 2025 Framework for U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership. As a key member of the Quad, consisting of India, the US, Japan, and Australia, India plays a crucial role in addressing regional challenges through cooperation in maritime, economic, and technological security.

Recent Quad exercises have further reinforced regional cooperation, with the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network enhancing readiness. USINDOPACOM is committed to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific through security cooperation, peaceful development, and military engagement.