Washington, April 25. India is emerging as an important pillar in the US strategy to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. The top leadership of the US Army has especially underlined the growing defense relations and coordination with India. Admiral Samuel John Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, told lawmakers this week that relations with India are his priority. He described the relationship as being on an upward trend and called it one of its most active military partnerships. His comments came at a time when Washington is focusing on China’s growing military power and trying to strengthen ties with regional partners to maintain balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Paparo said that under the ‘Major Defense Partnership’ framework, the US-India security relationship has seen tremendous growth through increasingly complex military exercises, defense deals, and strategic dialogue. He pointed to increased cooperation in areas such as maritime security and intelligence on underwater activities. This also includes India’s plan to purchase MQ-9B drones through foreign military sales. Paparo described India as a force that brings stability to the region. He said that India remains a source of stability within South Asia. It is also strengthening strategic partnerships and defense cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
He also mentioned India’s growing regional role. This includes investments in Sri Lanka and agreements with Mauritius aimed at promoting maritime cooperation and ensuring that strategic infrastructure remains free from the influence of adversary forces. The Indo-Pacific Commander also underlined India’s participation in multilateral groupings such as the ‘Quad’. This group includes India as well as America, Japan and Australia. It is expanding cooperation in the field of maritime security and logistics.
“Military exercises like Malabar, in which these four countries participate, have become extremely important in building mutual coordination in the region and showcasing joint military capabilities,” he said. Paparo said that the fundamental basis of America’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region is its partnerships. He described these alliances and partnerships as Washington’s biggest disproportionate advantage. He also said that India faces persistent tensions with Pakistan and recent military confrontations have extended beyond traditionally disputed areas.
Despite this, he said India’s main focus remains on maintaining its deterrent capability and credible combat capability across the region. However, the Indo-Pacific commander warned that China’s actions, and its deepening ties with Russia and North Korea, pose a complex challenge to regional stability. Apart from the Indo-Pacific Commander, US lawmakers also stressed the importance of strengthening partnership with India to counter Beijing’s influence. Representative Adam Smith said that alliances are essential for deterrence and credibility in the region.
“We need to maintain those relationships. We need to let those people know that we are with them and that they can count on us,” he said. It is noteworthy that the Indo-Pacific region has become the center of global strategic competition, as China is increasing the pace of its military modernization and expanding its presence across the region. The US has responded by strengthening ties with partners such as India, Japan and Australia, including efforts through the ‘Quad’. Apart from this, joint military exercises and defense cooperation have also been expanded.
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