US-India military ties strengthened during New Delhi meetings

Admiral Samuel J Paparo, the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, met with India's top leaders this week to discuss strengthening military ties between the US and India. His visit to New Delhi coincided with the Raisina Dialogue, a major conference on geopolitics. During his talks, Paparo discussed the potential renewal of a 10-year defense framework between the two countries. He met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan. These discussions are part of a broader initiative called COMPACT, which focuses on enhancing military partnerships, trade, technology, and cultural connections. Additionally, defense officials from the Quad nations—India, the US, Australia, and Japan—held talks on cooperation in security matters. The aim is to align goals in defense and promote global peace as they look to renew the US-India Major Defense Partnership, which was established in 2016. This partnership allows India to access a range of military technologies from the US. Paparo also met with military leaders from Japan, the Philippines, Australia, France, and the UK while in India. He spoke on maritime security issues and the role of new technologies in defense during the Raisina Dialogue. His visit included a tour of Purana Qila, an ancient fortress in Delhi, highlighting the link between India's historical and modern significance.